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
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
playing time carefully.
•
Don’t forget to stretch
regularly.
•
Fit your shoes with the
socks that you plan to wear.
...................................................................
Zach Deschatelets
h e a l t h • l i f e • w e l l – b e i n g
19