As
most savvy golfers know, the proper form needed for a smooth, accurate
swing starts from the ground up. Both feet are the contact points
between a golfer’s swing and the ground. Both golfers and podiatrists
agree that a stable base is needed to contact the ball well. What
golfers sometimes don’t recognize is that even minor foot pain can
affect a golfer's entire form, and therefore swing and follow through.
The body's first instinct when pain is encountered is to adapt to the
pain if it’s not immediately alleviated. Golfers will unknowingly try to
adapt to the pain by altering their golf swing to help compensate. In
the short term this can help ease the pain, however this will
drastically reduce the quality of performance. Additionally, it’s a sign
that some kind of foot pathology exists that needs medical attention.
Injuries of the foot that golfers commonly encounter are, but not
limited too; neuromas, arthritis, and fallen arches.
If
you have experienced even minor foot pain, and have noticed a drop off
in your golf game, consider making an appointment to see a podiatrist. Dr. Michael Garvin of Port Saint Lucie, Florida has been practicing board certified podiatry
for over 20 years. He has treated a variety of athletes, including
golfers. For office directions and contact information regarding
appointment scheduling click here.
Sources Cited:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/videos/2008/1005-painfree_golf_swing.htm
Often
times golf isn’t thought of as a sport that puts a substantial amount
of stress on the feet. Golf experts and medical clinicians alike
generally will agree that back and elbow injuries are much more common
in golfers. However, according to a Podiatry Today article
foot injuries may be more common than we realize. Often times golfers
will discredit golf as being the source of their heel or forefoot pain,
however, Dr. Phillip Ward breaks down the phases of the golf swing in
his article on Podiatry Today, and illustrates how substantial the feet
are in a proper golf swing. Upon his review of the proper swing it’s
evident how stress is evenly distributed throughout the body, and how
important the feet are in serving as a functioning platform providing
balance and power throughout the swing. In one study performed,
researchers found that orthotics have the potential to improve a golfers
balance, and actually allow them to drive the ball further.
If you are an avid golfer experiencing foot pain of any kind consider contacting one of Dr. Michael Garvin’s offices in the Port Saint Lucie, Florida area. Dr. Garvin
is a golfer and understands the desire of his patients to get back to
feeling healthy so they can participate in the sport they love. Even if
pain isn’t overwhelming your golf game, Dr. Garvin may be able to add an advantage to your game by prescribing a pair of custom orthotics to balance out your swing and provide a more comfortable stance, and therefore swing.
