Golf and Your Feet

A large part of the attraction of golf is the time spent outdoors. During an 18-hole round of golf, the typical player walks four-to-five miles over the course of three-to-five hours. That's a lot of time spent on your feet. At the same time, the biomechanics of golf make your feet as important to the success of your swing as any other part of the body. Getting and keeping your feet in the right position to help carry the force of the swing through properly can be impacted by the shoes you wear.

Common foot injuries and problems associated with golf are related to overdoing it, particularly if an underlying structural problem exists in your feet. This includes tendonitis, capsulitis, and ligament sprains and pulls, which can keep a golf enthusiast off the green. Improper shoes can bring on blisters, neuromas, and other pain in the feet. Podiatrists see these problems daily and can treat them conservatively to allow for a quick return to the sport.

Golf Shoes

Remember that you'll spend a lot of time on your feet standing and walking during golf, so look for shoes that are comfortable. Golf shoes come in a variety of types, from the traditional oxford-style to sandals and even boots. Whichever style you choose, look for shoes that are lightweight, well-cushioned in the soles and heels, made from a breathable material, water resistant and offer traction. The middle of the shoe should feel a little tighter than your everyday shoes to support your swing. Be sure to try on golf shoes with the socks you will normally wear to make sure to get the right fit.

More serious golfers may be interested in purchasing spikes. Just give yourself time to adjust to walking wearing spikes and make sure you know the policy for wearing them on each golf course. Spikes give added traction and help stabilize the foot during play. Spikes are made from different materials. Soft, polyurethane spikes that are less damaging to the green and lightweight, but don't offer as much traction as a heavier material. Carbide or ceramic spikes are for serious golfers who spend a lot of time on the greens. They are made of durable materials that often outlast the shoe's upper. Metal spikes often last the life of the shoe, are very durable, give good traction but must be carefully maintained to prevent rust.

If you have any questions regarding your feet, please don't hesitate to contact our Family Foot Care at 704-786-4482 or visit our website at http://www.familyfootcare.info/.

Ankle Sprain

Ankle sprains are caused by an unnatural twisting or force on the ankle bones of the foot, which may result in excessive stretching or tearing of one or more ligaments on the outside of the ankle. The severity of the sprain can impact the degree of damage as well as the type and duration of treatment. If not properly treated, ankle sprains may develop into long-term problems.

Primary symptoms of ankle sprains are pain following a twist or injury, swelling, and bruising.

Treatment includes resting and elevating the ankle and applying ice to reduce swelling. Compressive bandages also may be used to immobilize and support the injury during healing. Serious ankle sprains, particularly among competitive athletes, may require surgery to repair and tighten the damaged ligaments.

To prevent ankle sprains, try to maintain strength, balance, and flexibility in the foot and ankle through exercising, stretching, and wearing well-fitted shoes.

If you have any questions regarding your feet, please don't hesitate to contact our Family Foot Care at 704-786-4482 or visit our website at http://www.familyfootcare.info/.

Corn and Callus

What is the difference between a corn and a callus?

A corn and a callus both are an area of thickened, dead skin corresponding to areas of pressure on the foot. While they are composed of the same material, they are indeed two different things.

A callus is found on the bottom of the foot. It is generally superficial and doesn't often cause pain. It occurs from the twisting, shear forces of the foot on the ground. The skin thickens with callus to add protection to these forces. You may feel some numbness in the area of the callus. Occasionally a callus is painful, feeling like there are pebbles embedded in it. This happens if callus tissue fills up pores and sweat glands on the sole of the foot.

A corn is caused by a more direct source of pressure. It is smaller in breadth but often goes deeper, which causes a corn to be particularly painful. Corns are often found on top of the toes. They also can occur between the toes, where they're known as soft corns. A corn can also be found beneath the foot, usually in instances where the natural fat pad has worn away. This is quite painful and should be taken care of by a podiatrist

Please contact us if you have any questions regarding your feet at 704-786-4482 or visit our website at http://www.familyfootcare.info/.