Ruth Ann Cooper, D.P.M

As you head to your favorite golf course in Southwest Ohio this spring, make sure your feet are in shape before approaching the tee box. Your big toe, heel and ball of your foot are the spots most likely to cause pain that can ruin your golf swing.

Behind these pain-prone spots can lie stiff joints, stretched-out tissues and even nerve damage. However, pain relief is possible and often does not require surgery.

The three most common foot conditions that can affect your perfect golf swing are;

·Neuromas

·Arthritis

·Heel pain

Neuromas are nerves that become thickened, enlarged and painful because they have compressed or irritated. A neuroma in the ball of your foot can cause significant pain as your body transfers its weight from one foot to the other while swinging the club.

Arthritis can cause pain in the joint of your big toe and can make it difficult to follow through with your swing.

Heel pain typically results from inflammation of the plantar fascia (the band of tissue that extends from your heel to the ball of your foot). Heel pain can make it difficult for golfers to maintain a solid stance during crucial portions of the swing.

Other conditions, such as ankle arthritis or ankle instability, can affect how your weight shifts during your golf swing. Achilles tendonitis can also throw off your balance during a swing, while ill-fitting golf shoes may cause corns and calluses that make standing and walking uncomfortable.

Have your feet evaluated by me before you hit the links this spring so I can make certain your feet and ankles are in top condition for the lowest score.