Proper equipment is not simply good for posting a low score, it can make a huge difference in whether golf and arthritis can go together successfully.
One of the most difficult things for an arthritis sufferer to do when playing golf is grip the club. The grip is where the golfer makes contact with the club and it is arguably the most important aspect of the golf swing. When something is wrong with a golfer's grip, the entire swing is effected.
Often, for the arthritis sufferer, the small size of a golf club grip makes it nearly impossible to close the hands enough to have a suitable grip. There are a couple of simple remedies that may help with grip pain:
- Buy a larger-sized grip - Most every grip manufacturer makes grips in a variety of sizes to accommodate all golfers. A large grip will reduce the amount of closure required for the hands and potentially make taking an adequate grip on the club less painful.
- Have your grips built-up - According to professional club-fitter, Jerrett Garner, founder of Jerrett Golf, "Go to a golf shop and have them build up different grips." When you buy golf grips and have them installed, regardless of size, one of the things that goes between the club shaft and the grip is tape, which is one of the things to which the golf grip adheres. Several extra layers of tape can be used to build up the size of the grip. Golfers can make sure to professional installer is aware of the problem and the proposed solution.
Arthritis isn't limited to the hands for many suffering golfers. Virtually every point in the body is subject to the tremendous torque produced by the golf swing. Though torque is needed, golfers with arthritis can lessen the amount produced by choosing different footwear. If golf spikes cause a too much torque on the joints, using tennis shoes or running shoes can aid in bringing the impact on joints to an acceptable level.
There are other equipment considerations, such a golf shafts that minimize vibration, oversized irons that reduce vibration, and ionization bracelets that reportedly assist with a variety of problems. A qualified club-fitter or other golf professional will be able to assist with choosing the right equipment for each golfer.
Although these simple measures won't work in every case, they are certainly worth trying. Speaking to a physician, fitness instructor or other health professional can certainly provide more potential remedies that can keep golfers with arthritis in the game and competitive.
Source: GolfersMD.com.
