Are you ready for another season of birdies, pars and bogeys? If so, you should know about potentially serious foot problems that can result from years of playing the game.
Although golf is not considered a rigorous sport, the physical act of repeatedly swinging a golf club can lead to a condition known as hallux limitus, a jamming and deterioration of the big toe joint. The movement and weight transfer that occur during the swing's follow through can cause this problem and other chronic foot ailments.
When golfers follow through, they can overextend the big toe joint on their back foot. Those who have played the game for several years eventually can wear out the cartilage or jam the big toe joint. The likely outcome, if left untreated, is painful arthritis in the big toe, which would make it very difficult to continue playing.
If you have pain and swelling around the big toe joint or have less mobility in this area than other parts of the foot, schedule an appointment for an examination. A history of trauma to the big toe area and bone structure also can precipitate the condition. Individuals with a long first metatarsal bone (big toe), for example, are more susceptible to joint compression and hallux limitus. In most situations, orthotics can be prescribed to provide relief, but advanced cases may require surgery.
Check Those Golf Shoes!
Another foot problem that is common in golfers is a neuroma or pinched nerve at the bottom of the foot. The weight transfer to the front foot that occurs in the follow through applies pressure that, over time, can cause a pinched nerve. Wearing shoes that have a spike located directly beneath the ball of the foot can worsen the problem. Also, pressure from that single spike, magnified by the several thousand steps taken during an average round, can cause intense pain and swelling in the ball of the foot. Your golf shoes can be made more foot-friendly, without sacrificing traction, simply by removing poorly located spikes.
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