Golfers: Don't Be Handicapped With Foot Pain!

The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons advises the millions of American golfers to be aware of potentially serious foot problems which can result from years of playing the game.

Hallux Limitus (Pain in the Big-Toe Joint)
Repeatedly swinging a golf club—in practice and on the links—can lead to a jamming and deterioration of the big-toe joint known as hallux limitus.

When golfers follow through on their swing, they can overextend the big-toe joint on their back foot, eventually wearing out the cartilage or jamming the joint. If left untreated hallux limitus can lead to painful arthritis in the big toe.

Neuromas (Pinched Nerve)
Another foot problem common with golfers is a pinched nerve on the bottom of the foot known as a neuroma. The weight transfer to the front foot which occurs in the follow through applies pressure which, over time, can cause a pinched nerve.

Sesamoiditis (Pain in the Ball of the Foot)
Golf shoes with spikes located directly beneath the ball of the foot can lead to an all too common pain on the bottom of the foot known as sesamoiditis. Pressure from that single spike, magnified by the several thousand steps taken during an average round, can cause intense pain and swelling in the ball of the foot.

Any pair of golf shoes can be made more foot friendly without sacrificing traction by removing those poorly located spikes.

Any foot or ankle pain experienced during or following a round of golf is not normal and should be examined by a foot and ankle surgeon. Early treatment can keep you on the greens all year round.