Be Active

h e a l t h • l i f e • w e l l – b e i n g

comfortable, consult with your Pedorthist to explore other options. Your Pedorthist may recommend adjustments for your current orthotics, manufacture a new pair or use a supportive off-the-shelf insert to best meet your needs. If biomechanical problems are present in your swing, they will invariably cause symptoms when walking the links as well. Addressing biomechanical problems in walking may therefore result in the secondary benefit of an improved swing through proper foot function. If a round of golf is painful on the feet, first assess the quality of your shoes. Are they showing physical signs of wear and tear? Are they older than you can remem- ber? Do the liners in the shoe feel worn, thin and hard? If the pain is not adequately re- solved with good, stable golf shoes or is present for more than two or three consecutive rounds, it’s recommended that you consult your family physician for a diagnosis or your Pedorthist for a biome- chanical assessment. TIPS • Start easy and build up your

the feet are slightly swollen and be sure to try on shoes with the same socks you’ll wear on the course. Tie both left and right shoes tightly and walk around your store or pro shop a few minutes before deciding on a make and model. Once you get to the course, take a few minutes to stretch your leg, back and arm muscles to be sure you are good and warmed up for a

great game! Orthotics:

Preventing Pain, Improving Game

For the foot that is not able to function normally due to biomechanical issues such as excessive pronation (rolling in) or supination (rolling out), orthotics can help by

providing support to lax struc- tures, providing cushioning to rigid structures or improving muscle activity in the legs and feet. Orthotics not only allow the feet to function as they ought to but can alleviate the predisposition to injury brought on by biomechanical imbalances. If you already wear orthotics in your street shoes, you should be transferring them to your golf shoes as well. Most of the time your orthotics will be transferrable between footwear, but in the case that they do not fit or are not

playing time carefully. • Don’t forget to stretch regularly. • Fit your shoes with the

socks that you plan to wear. ................................................................... Zach Deschatelets

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