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Pain-Free Golf Swing

Podiatrists Suggest Healing Foot Pain in Order to Fix Golf Swing

October 1, 2008

Effective golf swings require a stable base, which podiatrists say is difficult to establish when a golfer's feet have sustained injuries. When golfers' feet hurt, they cannot properly brace them. Golfers may alter their swings to compensate for pain, making it almost impossible to hit the ball straight. The major causes of foot pain for golfers include neuromas, arthritis of the foot and ankle, and falling arches.

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PROPER SWING TECHNIQUE: A golfer can improve the distance the ball travels by using correct technique. At the back of the swing, a golfer should reach as far back as possible for the greatest range of motion, while keeping his rotating torso centered over his right leg (for right-handed players). As the golfer swings, his body creates a torque (rotating force) on the club. As the club accelerates through the swing, it gains energy. The more tightly he controls his motion, the less energy a golfer wastes, and the more energy he transfers to the golf ball upon impact. When the club hits the ball, the golfer should drive through the swing to ensure maximum transfer of energy.

ABOUT FRACTURES: A fractured bone is the same thing as a broken bone. They occur because a bone area is unable to support the energy placed on it. That energy can be acute, as from a car crash or a two-story fall, or chronic due to low-energy repetitive activity. The latter is responsible for stress fractures, an overuse injury commonly seen in athletes. The increased demand places on the bone causes it to remodel and become stronger in areas of higher stress, but if the repetitive demands become too great, a stress fracture can result.

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To Go Inside This Science:
Scott Woodburn, DPMý
Podiatry Associates
Towson, MD 21204
(410) 828-5420
ScottWoodburn@comcast.net