You might think that golfing with arthritis would be a painful experience, but this is not so.  If you have arthritis you do not necessarily have to quit playing golf.  On the contrary, the playing of golf and the exercise needed to maintain a good standard can actually help your condition and improve the degree of mobility that you have.

All forms of arthritis benefit from exercise, and golf is ideal in that it need not be a strenuous game, yet can improve your overall fitness and strengthen your heart and lungs.  If you have arthritis, you will know that exercise is recommended to help your condition.  You will also know that remaining inactive is one of the worst things that you can do.  If you have to choose a sport then golf is likely one of the best for you.

Golf does not demand extended periods of aerobic exercise such as many athletics disciplines do, nor the extremes of explosive energy as required in sports such as weightlifting, sprinting or field events.  It is, as Mark Twain once famously declared, ‘A good walk spoiled’, and although the golf swing is an explosive release of rotational energy, it can be trained for so that the swing becomes as natural to you as breathing, arthritis or not.

If your condition is such that playing is difficult without aids, there are gloves and wrist braces available that can take the pressure off your joints, and there are other aids that can make it more comfortable for you to play.  With regard to training, always warm up properly before exercising.  Carry out some simple stretching exercises before you start, and do the same before each round. There are some things that you can do to help you take the pressure off your joints and reduce the potential for pain during your golf round.

Your weight is important, so keep it as low as is healthy for you.  The less weight you are carrying the less strain will be placed on your joints.  When you begin to feel tired, or suffer excessive pain, then rest.  You will find that a warm shower will help you before each round, especially if you give your muscles a stretch afterwards.  It is important that your muscles are supple and that your joints have as much flexibility as possible. Practice your swing, taking as much professional advice as you can.  Get the help of the club pro if possible, explaining your situation.  Pros are generally only too willing to help people with specific disabilities, and they will likely be able to show you how to drive without having to hit the ball too hard.  Driving is a matter of technique, not hitting the ball as hard as you can. Warm up your swing before playing a round, and practice your timing rather than your speed or strength.  Timing can make all the difference between a good slow swing and a bad fast swing.

Learn a few stretching exercises.  You can help not only your golf game but also your arthritis symptoms by gently stretching your joints so that you develop more flexibility.  Flexibility in your rotational motion can often be more effective in improving your swing than improving your strength. If you have arthritis, it is more important to enjoy your game than to try to get round in under par. Having a comfortable swing and a reasonable level of fitness can allow you to do that.

It has been proved many times that playing golf can help people who suffer from arthritis.  It provides good and gentle exercise while allowing you to maintain a good degree of fitness. If you continue to feel pain for an hour or more after your round you should seek medical help, especially if you experience increased swelling of your joints.

However, these symptoms tend to be relatively rare and the more common result in all but the worst cases of arthritis in an improvement in your condition, and an increased enjoyment in the game of golf. So, if you have arthritis, and are afraid that you will have to stop playing, grab the bull by the horns, start the exercises and carry on playing.  You will not regret it.