Don’t Lose Your Swing

That title can be taken any number of ways, but right now, I’m referring to golf.

Physical activity can become difficult with arthritis.  It can be hard to deal with joint pain from conditions or injuries, and many of your favorite activities can become a thing of the past.  Well, if golf is on your list of hobbies, don’t worry.  Some doctors say it can even be beneficial.

Why is golf such a good option for arthritis sufferers?  For one, it encourages light activity.  It’s an excuse to get moving, without overstretching your limits.  Some folks also say that golf is good for improving posture and focus, both of which can influence your joint health.

Just like any other sport or activity, special care should be taken when people with joint conditions or injuries partake in golf.  Be sure to have whatever special equipment your doctor recommends.  You may need some type of brace for an especially tricky joint.  Gloves are a great idea for anyone, but people with arthritic hands should be sure to wear them for added protection and cushioning.  When you’re out there, be sure to keep yourself hydrated, too.  Even light exercise can drain your body’s water reserves.

Usually after an hour or so of activity, stiffness and pain of achy joints should decrease or disappear.  If this pain continues, you may want to take it easy and talk to a doctor.  No two people are alike, and no two cases of joint pain or stiffness are the same.  Golf or other physical activities may not be the best choice for everyone.  Most people who have tried it, however, saw an improvement.

So, if you’re an old hand at the game, grab your clubs.  Hit the courses.  Stock up on tees and balls and try to avoid the sand traps.  If you’re new to the game, check it out.  Try out a driving range or even a put-put course.  Get to know the game and see if it might be a good choice for you.

Spring Into Flexibility

Clichés aside, spring is here.  This means that people are attempting to thaw themselves out and work their way out of the achy joints that are often associated with winter.  No matter what the cause of your joint pain is, winter is a rough time.  Old injuries, new injuries, arthritis, and other problems can act up.

Spring is definitely a time to stretch out and try to get back into a warm-weather groove.  However, some people may see a “worse before better” effect in regards to their comfort levels.  The dampness can be hard on some folks, and the sudden fluctuations between warmish and coldish can be tough.  So, how do you find joint pain relief in times like this?

For one, activity is a great way.  Indoor or outdoor, it’s always good to get up and move.  Shake the winter blues off with a walk in the park.  Many of my friends have already hit the golf course once or twice, on the unexpected warm and sunny days.  It’s also the time of year to start working out in the garden.  Clearing out piled leaves, pulling last year’s mums, nurturing sprouting perennials, planting fresh bulbs, seeds, and plants…all of these add up to be great exercise.  They’re also likely to be very personally fulfilling.

Eating right is always a good idea, but if you want that extra energy to get going this spring, it’s even more important.  Dark, leafy greens and plenty of brightly-colored fruits and vegetables are vital.  These foods are rich in the antioxidants and energy that your body needs to push past the wintery joint pain and into activity.

Even if it’s coming in like a lion, spring is upon us.  Shake some flexibility back into your lifestyle and combat achy joints!  It’s only the start of the outdoor season, make a habit of taking full advantage!

The Power of Stretching

Everyone loves a good stretch.  Waking up in the morning, that first long stretch is a great way to get yourself shaken out of sleepiness.  Stretching is also great for improving flexibility.  Well, I’m learning a new lesson on stretching; always, always stretch before a long day in heels.

Recently, I was part of a wedding.  All of us bridesmaids were asked to get shoes that matched the dresses.  So, like any good bridesmaid, I listen.  I go to the bridal shop, find a pair of shoes (on clearance) and had them sent off to be dyed.  I didn’t actually wear the shoes until the day of the wedding.  Yeah, I should have stretched that morning, especially my calves.

Never have my calves been this sore.  I played soccer in high school, and I’m sure my calves hurt less from than than they did from the 8-hour day in the worst shoes I have ever owned.  This just goes to show that you never know quite when you’ll need to stretch yourself out.  And stretching isn’t just beneficial for muscles.  It improves overall flexibility, and when your muscles are warmed up, they can work better at reducing stress on joints.  My knees have been killing me since the wedding, and I know it’s because of those evil, evil shoes.  Well, stretching could probably have helped with that, too.

I guess what I’m saying here is that you should always do a bit of a “warm-up” for your day.  Simple stretching to waken your muscles and warm up your joints can really help prevent a lot of discomfort.  Whether it’s to help form getting calf-cramps or to get your knees primed for a long day of standing (in awful shoes), stretching can really help you get a jump on your comfort level.  So, when you get up in the morning, and you take the biiiiiig stretch right after you get out of bed…make some time for more stretching.  It can be the difference between a week of sore calves and knees, and painless walking.