A Hole-in-One for Foot Care
August is National Golf Month! It’s a great time to pick up your clubs and hit the links. Golf is a fantastic sport that gets you outdoors and keeps you active but also provides some much-needed relaxation time. It’s mostly a low-impact sport, but it can come equipped with a slew of sports-related injuries. Pro golfers and weekend swingers are standing on their feet for long periods during 18 holes. Especially if one foregoes the golf cart and walks the entire game – that could add up to 5 miles! All that time spent on your feet can lead to painful injuries.
Here at Westfield Foot and Ankle, LLC, we want you to have the best and safest golf game possible. That’s why we put together some solid tips for avoiding golfing injuries. Follow these tips to hit a hole-in-one for foot care:
Pick the right shoes
Regulation golf shoes are a must. Have your feet measured at a sporting goods store and choose shoes that fit comfortably. Soft golf spikes will help prevent slippage during a stroke, which could cause a painful ankle sprain. As you play on them, check for wear and tear on the spikes and replace them as needed.
Perfect your swing
A solid golf swing utilizes your entire body. Repeating the same movements with that many body parts can add stress to tendons or joints. If one part of your foot or ankle starts to ache, switch up your swing to compensate for it. If the pain persists or grows, your body is telling you it’s time to rest. Take the weight off the painful foot and put it on ice. If that doesn’t help, call us.
Stretch before swinging
All sports require proper warm-ups and stretches. Before you get out on the course, stretch your calf muscles and walk around. Roll your ankles in the air to help limber them up.
Up your off-course game too
Regularly getting your heart rate up through aerobic exercise will help your endurance while on the golf course. Stay active by running, walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming. This will ensure a longer, more-fulfilling game as your body stays in shape.
Whether you’re a casual player or you’ve got top of the line clubs and on the golf course every day, Dr. David R. Sullivan here at Westfield Foot and Ankle, LLC, is here to ensure you have a smooth game. If you’re suffering from a golf-related issue like a twisted ankle or overuse injury, it’s time to see your podiatrist. To schedule an appointment, contact us today. You can call our conveniently located Westfield, IN office at 317-896-6655.