Tip From the Archives

Ankle Pain

Problem

You have ankle pain but still want to play a round of golf.

Cure

Although most people are concerned about stretching their arms and back before a round to encourage a powerful swing, they tend to forget about how much torque or resistance the feet and ankles have to withstand. So while you are waiting in the cart, use this time to flex, point, and circle your feet to help warm up the ligaments around your ankles. Be certain to stretch and relax your leg muscles so they are not causing any additional strain on the ligaments around your ankles. If you often suffer from ankle pain, remember the acronym of RICE for rest, ice, compression and elevation. So, brace or wrap your ankle to give it a little extra compression and ice it as often as you can. Use an ice wrap for 20 minutes before and after your round. Naturally with any injury or reoccurring pain, you want to discuss it with your doctor. When playing, let your golfing partner or caddy do the driving while you elevate your feet in the cart between holes. Arch supports might help improve your balance and ease your ankle pain. Wearing shoes with extra padding can also ease ankle pain.

Therapy

Controlled balance and weight shift are the most important things to work on when you are playing with ankle pain. This is because at the top of your swing you will have most of your body weight placed on your trailing leg and then you will suddenly shift all of your weight forward, onto your other leg. Regardless of which ankle that is injured, you will feel pain at the top of your swing because your upper body is moving in an opposite direction than your legs. Although you will lose distance, you might find it necessary to shorten your swing length or use only about seventy percent power. You might even decide to change your swing style to reduce the amount you turn your upper body and use a more up and down style swing.

  • Currently 4.25/5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5

4 votes

 

Something to Add?






Notice Please keep your comments relevant to this article: inappropriate or purely promotional comments may be removed. Email addresses are never displayed, but they are required to confirm your comments.