There are over 1,500 National Holidays, but amazingly, Golf has its own month. August is National Golf month that many people love to celebrate. It’s a sport that allows all ages and genders compete at the same level, but most importantly it’s something friends and family can enjoy doing together. Despite it being just a relaxing sport, it can also take its toll on your body if you’re walking the full 18 holes a few times a week.

How Golfing Affects Arthritis

Arthritis can affect more than just hands and feet, it can affect your neck or shoulders. Golfing is a relaxing sport but it also requires the use of wrists, forearms, and shoulders. It can also affect your hips by shifting to swing. These motions can cause Arthritis to flare up and turn something so relaxing into a pain.

Then there’s the golf bag, full of clubs, water, spikes and whatever the heart desires for a nice walk and a pew putts. Those things can get heavy and not everyone can get their hands on a golf cart. It can really wreak havoc on your back and shoulders, which can dampen the fun a little bit.

Modifications

Arthritis can be unpredictable but there’s always alternative treatments, the biggest challenge is adapting. Modifying your clubs can ease or even prevent joint pain, a modification such as better grip handles can really make a difference. Other modifications might include light-weight clubs, low compression golf balls, or longer clubs.

Strategy and planning also need to be modified. If joint pain occurs in your legs or feet, reduce the holes from 18 to 9. Shorter games or shorter walks can improve Arthritis symptoms. If a Golf cart or mobile cart is available to you, consider using it to increase endurance during the game. Sometimes all that pressure and weight on your feet can cause Arthritis to flare.

Whether celebrating National Golf Month or you’re a natural fanatic of the sport, always be mindful and stay ahead of the game by preventing Arthritis flare ups. It’s a fun sport that can require lots of endurance if it’s a large golf course. Golfing is a therapeutic sport that anyone can do, but it’s easy to overdo it and your body could pay for it. Pay attention to your body, don’t overheat and remember to have fun with family and friends.

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