4 Tips For Golfing With Arthritis
- Use oversized grips. Many of the top golf grips manufacturers offer arthritic golf club grips. ...
- Adjust your swing. There are certain adjustments you can make to your golf swing to avoid strain on your back and other joints.
- Choose graphite shafts. Choosing the proper shafts for your golf clubs can make a difference in your comfort level, as well as your arthritic pain levels.
- Use lower compression balls. According to golf ball manufacturers, low compression balls are designed to help you play better and shoot lower scores.
Is it safe to squeeze a ball with basal joint arthritis?
Because gripping and pinching tend to aggravate the symptoms of basal joint arthritis, squeezing a ball and similar exercises should be avoided. Some individuals respond well to gentle motion performed in warm water to alleviate morning stiffness. Therapists provide advice about specific exercises if they are appropriate for an individual.
What is basal joint arthritis?
Known as basal joint arthritis or basal thumb arthritis, this condition is more common in women than men and is associated with aging. Over time, the cartilage that covers the ends of the bones degenerates, and excess bone forms. Basal joint arthritis can also occur following an injury to the area.
Can physical therapy help with basal joint arthritis?
The pain of basal joint arthritis is frequently due to inflammation in the joint. Fortunately, there are a number of treatments for inflammation that can be provided by therapists and physicians. Physical and occupational therapists specializing in hand therapy provide a number of treatment options for basal joint arthritis.
How to play golf with arthritis?
If you are playing golf with arthritis, it’s more beneficial to concentrate on the width of your swing, rather than the length of your swing. Lastly, as you follow through to the finish of your swing, allow the right food to be dragged forward instead of leaving it planted. This decreases the strain on the left hip. 3. Choose graphite shafts
Can you still play golf with rheumatoid arthritis?
There's no need to hang up your golf clubs once you've been diagnosed with arthritis. After all, the physical benefits of golf, such as improved strength, balance and coordination, and better range of motion, make it worth staying in the game.
Does golf worsen arthritis?
Golf is an ideal activity for increasing strength, balance, coordination and improving range of motion, making your time on the course an important part of effectively treating your arthritis. While playing golf may benefit your health, it likely doesn't alleviate your discomfort.
Does golf make knee arthritis worse?
It may seem intuitive that golfers with knee osteoarthritis should stay off their feet and ride in a golf cart. But new research has found, for the first time, that walking the course provides significantly higher health benefits and is not associated with increased pain, cartilage breakdown or inflammation.
Are larger golf grips better for arthritis?
Oversize golf grips reduce pain and are recommended for players who have arthritis or experience hand strain because the bigger the grip, the less pressure your hands need to apply.
Can a person with arthritis play golf?
If golf is one of your favorite activities, you don't necessarily have to give it up. In fact, light physical activity like golf can actually help improve joint motion and coordination. You may have to make some modifications to your equipment and technique, but you can still play golf with arthritis.
Can you golf with a wrist brace?
Yes, provided they are both circular in cross-section and properly spaced apart (at least 1.5").
How do you protect your knees when golfing?
Follow a regular exercise programme, and don't forget exercises that help flexibility and balance. Always use good footwear and equipment. During driving setup, rotate the lead leg out to the side, 20 to 40˚, in order to reduce the amount of twisting and pressure on the knee during the final stages of the swing.
Can golf damage your knees?
While the knees are built to withstand all kinds of stresses, one wrong move can cause serious damage. Knee injuries aren't common in golf, but they do occur, and engaging in the sport may aggravate existing knee problems.
Can I play golf after a cortisone injection?
As a general rule, patients advised receiving a steroid injection into a joint are cautioned against any heavy lifting or exercise. But after 10 days to two weeks, they are encouraged to start gentle range-of-motion exercises and to remain active as tolerated.
Who should use midsize golf grips?
As a general rule, if you wear a golf glove size of Large / Cadet Large or bigger, a Midsize or Jumbo grip is the proper fit for you. If you're not sure whether you would benefit from a larger grip, take one of your current golf grips in your top (lead) hand.
What happens if your golf grip is too big?
Grips too big Instead of engaging the smaller muscles, a bigger diameter grip restricts and slows the hands down — often causing you to lose both swing speed and the ability to square the clubface fast enough through impact. Meaning, you're prone to slice it a whole lot more if your handles are too big.
How many wraps of tape do I need for a midsize grip?
A standard grip with 3 wraps of tape is as close to midsize as you get.
What grips are best for arthritic golfers?
Use oversized grips. Many of the top golf grips manufacturers offer arthritic golf club grips. These oversized grip s are specifically designed for golfers that experience finger, hand, wrist, and overall joint pain. Investing in these high quality golf grips will help give you an extra cushion while you play.
What is a low compression golf ball?
According to golf ball manufacturers, low compression balls are designed to help you play better and shoot lower scores. Compression refers to the density of the golf ball and is a measurement of how hard or how soft a golf ball actually is.
Why are golf grips important?
Investing in these high quality golf grips will help give you an extra cushion while you play. With a larger grip, you’ll get a better feel for the club and be able to control your swing. These types of grips also absorb the shock of an impact or mishit, meaning less stress for golfers with weak hands or grips.
How to avoid strain on back?
During your golf swing you should already have your left foot toed out 20-30 degrees when ready to hit the ball, by also turning your right foot outwards, you can reduce strain on your right hip and back.
Can you play golf with arthritis?
You can practice in your backyard, perfect your swing at the driving ranges, and play a competitive round of golf with a friend. Being a golfer with arthritis, you may experience stiffness in your arthritic joints, decreased range of motion, and achy hands and wrists.
Should you keep your left foot on the ground while backswing?
Allowing your left heel to come up off the ground during your backswing can be beneficial to your joints as well. It’s more important to keep your right knee stable, than to keep your left foot on the ground. You may also want to shorten your backswing and follow through swing.
Can you shorten your backswing?
You may also want to shorten your backswing and follow through swing. If you are playing golf with arthritis, it’s more beneficial to concentrate on the width of your swing, rather than the length of your swing.
What is the thumb in golf?
The thumb is remarkable, and we ask much of it. Gripping a golf club throughout the swing means positioning the thumb at multiple points in space , and that demands great flexibility. This flexibility is provided by two hinge joints and the very agile basilar joint — where the thumb plugs into your wrist — plus great strength and stability.
What joint should a thumb splint be used for?
Any splint used should include the thumb to help support the basilar joint. Doctor Visit: A diagnosis will likely entail the doctor loading the thumb’s basilar joint and briefly “grinding” it — you may feel the discomfort and mechanical symptoms that accompany joint irregularity.
Why does my thumb feel weakened?
Your hand may feel weakened as discomfort can lead to protecting the thumb from tasks (e.g., opening jar s) in which grip power is necessary and potentially painful. Self-Care: There is a wide range of nonsurgical managements—ice, heat, splints and judicious use of over-the-counter anti-inflammatories.
What is Arnold Palmer famous for?
Arnold Palmer is famous for, among other things, his iconic “thumbs up” to adoring galleries. (Sorry, Phil.) I was lucky enough to call Arnold a good friend; in 2006, we launched the Arnold Palmer Sports Health Center. He had an abiding interest in keeping people healthy and participating in the game he loved.
Can golfers get arthritis?
This balancing act can create a problem that manifests as friction at the basilar joint—aka arthritis. Almost all golfers will eventually get a little degenerative “wear and tear” arthritis at the thumb joint.
How to treat basal thumb arthritis?
It is important to choose a specialized splint that immobilizes the thumb, such as a thumb spica splint. The splint is worn constantly, except for during bathing, for a period of a month. If improvement occurs, the splint may be removed at night and gradual weaning of the splint employed. NSAIDS may be prescribed during this time to treat any pain. A corticosteroid, can be injected into the carpometacarpal joint. This is highly effective, but cannot be repeated more than a few times as the steroid may have an adverse effect on the ligaments of the joint if not carefully used.
How to tell if you have arthritis in your thumb?
The first thing you may notice is swelling and pain in the joint of the thumb, accompanied by aching and tenderness and loss of strength. There may also be a visible growth or bump at the joint as the result of bone spurs. A physical examination by the doctor will confirm this diagnosis.
What causes a basal thumb to degenerate?
Rheumatoid arthritis predisposes the basal thumb to arthritis. An occupation or hobby that involves repeated motion of the joint can cause degeneration of the joint. A history of trauma to the thumb, including Rolando’s or Bennett’s fractures of the base of the thumb have been associated with Basal Thumb Arthritis.
What is the base of the thumb?
Basal thumb arthritis is a type of osteoarthritis affecting the base of the thumb at the carpometacarpal joint. This joint consists of the articulation of a wrist bone called the trapezium with the first metacarpal bone, which forms the base of the thumb. The carpometacarpal joint is extremely mobile allowing the pivoting and swiveling motions ...
Why does my carpometacarpal joint have a bony prominence?
A bony prominence may form at the carpometacarpal joint as a result of osteophyte formation, swelling and resulting misalignment of the joint.
Why does my thumb hurt when I rub it?
Osteoarthritis of the thumb is usually the result of a lack of synovial fluid in the joint which causes the two bones to rub together and this friction causes pain and inflammation. Usually, anti-inflammatory medication and splinting can help, but if it does not, then joint fusion may be necessary.
What is the carpometacarpal joint?
The carpometacarpal joint is extremely mobile allowing the pivoting and swiveling motions of the thumb so essential for manipulation of the hand . This oft-used joint can become unstable and wear out over time.
What are the symptoms of arthritis in the basal joint?
Symptoms. Basal joint arthritis is a chronic condition that develops gradually. The most common symptoms are thumb pain and stiffness. Contrary to what one might expect, individuals having more pain do not necessarily have more severe arthritis. The pain of basal joint arthritis is frequently due to inflammation in the joint.
What is the best treatment for arthritis in the basal ribs?
Heat and Cold Modalities. Warmth is often effective in temporarily relieving the stiffness and pain of basal joint arthritis. Warm water or a heating pad can be used at home, being careful not to burn the skin. However, if the joint is swollen and inflamed, a cold pack is a better choice.
Why do you need a splint for your thumb?
Removable splints for the basal joint of the thumb are used for two primary purposes: providing support to improve hand function and providing rest to decrease inflammation and pain. Based on an assessment of the individual, a therapist determines what type of splint is most likely to help.
Why does my basal joint hurt?
The pain of basal joint arthritis is frequently due to inflammation in the joint. Fortunately, there are a number of treatments for inflammation that can be provided by therapists and physicians.
Why is it important to protect the basal joint?
Because osteoarthritis of the basal joint is a chronic condition, it is important to protect and avoid irritating the joint. There are a number of products and techniques that can be used to decrease stress on the joint. Symptoms of basal joint arthritis tend to be aggravated by forceful or repetitive pinching, grasping, and twisting.
What is the most common type of arthritis that affects the joint at the base of the thumb where it meets the wrist
Introduction. Osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis, frequently affects the joint at the base of the thumb where it meets the wrist. Known as basal joint arthritis or basal thumb arthritis, this condition is more common in women than men and is associated with aging.
How many visits to a doctor for arthritis of the hand?
For most individuals, only one or two visits are required. If pain and loss of function can not be improved by therapy, medical intervention may be required. A physician or surgeon specializing in the treatment of hand problems such as basal joint arthritis may recommend oral anti-inflammatory medication, injections, and in the most severe cases, ...
msebast
I'm a 61 year old who started experiencing pain at the base of my left thumb when I played barre chords. When the pain didn't go away, I went to see a doctor who tells me I have arthritis of the basal joint. Sounds like its a degenerative condition which will worsen with time and may require surgery.
Slipin Lizard
Hi Mike... I may have the same problem, I definitely ran into the issue of pain at the base of my thumb on my left hand, sometimes after just a few minutes of playing. I only get it with playing guitar. I took a long break, then returned, and play in short sessions.
compart1
I have the same left thumb pain. It's intermittent. I tend to get relief by messaging the thumb joint right on the pain with as much pressure as I can stand. I'm no doctor, but it works for me.
mwblackbelt
Hi. I see that this discussion has been posted for a while, but I am hoping that someone who has had the surgery will weigh in about their experience of post-surgery playing.
