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Golfers: Don't be handicapped with foot pain

As millions of avid golfers get ready for another season of pars and bogeys, they should be aware of potentially serious foot problems that can result from years of playing the game.

Although golf is not considered a rigorous sport, the physical act of repeatedly swinging a golf club in practice and on the links can lead to a condition known as hallux limitus, a jamming and deterioration of the big toe joint.

According to David Northcutt, DPM,AACFAS, the movement and weight transfer that occur during the swing's follow through can cause this problem and other chronic foot ailments. Dr. Northcutt is a member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons with offices in Dallas and Plano.

"When golfers follow through on their swing, they can overextend the big toe joint on the back foot," says Northcutt. "Those who have played the game avidly for several years eventually can wear out the cartilage or jam the big toe joint. The likely outcome, if left untreated, is painful arthritis in the big toe, which would make it very difficult to continue playing golf."

Golfers who have pain and swelling around the big toe joint or have less mobility in this area than other parts of the foot should visit a foot and ankle surgeon for an examination and appropriate treatment. A history of trauma to the big toe area and bone structure also can precipitate the condition.

"If golfers experience pain in the big toe area when playing, they should consider it a warning sign that intervention is necessary before the joint becomes arthritic," says Dr. Northcutt. "In most situations, orthotics can be prescribed to provide relief, but others with advanced cases may require surgery."

Northcutt also advises golfers not to wear shoes that have a spike located directly beneath the ball of the foot.

"The 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," he says.

Northcutt says any pair of golf shoes can be made more foot friendly without sacrificing traction by removing the poorly located spikes.

For more information on foot conditions that affect athletes, contact Dr Northcutt's office at Dallas Podiatry Works, or visit the ACFAS consumer website, www.FootHealthFacts.org