Weak Golf Ankles The goals are simple for the
average
golfer. Hit the ball far and hit it straight. To
do this, one needs to master
the golf swing. This requires a synergistic movement between the
lumbar spine, the upper shoulder, and the feet. The feet are often neglected
when there is any discussion about the swing. Nevertheless, if you think about
the parts above the feet, the knees, back, neck, and shoulders, you will
understand that none of these parts can be efficient if the feet are impaired.
Impact
To hit the ball solidly requires not only steady
nerves but also steady feet. If the foot is unbalanced, especially the left one
(because most of the weight shifts to the left side upon impact with the ball),
then the entire upper torso will over compensate with an exaggerated swing that
often results in a hook. The ball will fly wildly as the body tries to recover
its balance.
Orthotics
Because of age and heredity not
every foot can stand alone. Some feet are going to need help in the form of an
arch support. In these instances, a specially constructed arch support, or
orthotic, to promote better stance and foot efficiency may be recommended.
Ideally, an orthotic placed in a golf shoe should not restrict the necessary
motions of the foot during the golf swing. The orthotic should allow for
adequate movement of the heel while simultaneously providing a stable base to
support the rolling movements of the feet. In the past, golfers would be
treated with an arch support that supported the longitudinal arch and did
nothing for the heel and ankle. Support of the longitudinal arch is not
critical for the golfer because this arch needs to both supinate and pronate
to provide a powerful and accurate golf swing.
During the follow-through of the
golf swing, the left foot goes into supination but the right foot pronates.
Remember that during take-away the left foot goes into pronation. Pronation
helps keep the feet stable during the golf swing, so it is more important to
enhance pronation than restrict it, at least for the golfer. Allowing adequate
foot pronation helps increase the torque during the golf swing and this can be
accomplished by increasing the degree of pronation. To improve stability of
the left foot, which is crucial during the follow-through, a left lateral
wedge is placed on the left arch support. This enhances pronation in the left
foot and thus improves stability upon follow-through. This gives the golfer a
fluid follow-through as they watch their shot soar in the air directly at the
target. If not, they smash their club on the ground.
Strengthening Ligaments
with Prolotherapy
To stabilize the left ankle,
Prolotherapy
is given to the ankle ligaments, especially to the outside
(lateral) complex and inside, or deltoid ligaments. This will help the golfer
maintain balance at impact.
If a person has ankle ligament
laxity, there will be excessive foot/ankle movement, which will cause
excessive right leg movement, and errant shots will result. Palpation of the
weak ligaments confirms the diagnosis of ligament laxity.
Prolotherapy
treatments to the
outside and rear ankle ligaments will help strengthen the ankle joint. This
will allow the golfer to have a more controlled and powerful swing, not only
improving distance, but also accuracy.
If the left foot and ankle are
weakened during take-away, the golfer will create a sway movement causing a
poor weight shift instead of torque. The sway weight shift is the main reason
that people hit golf shots to the right with no power. Stabilizing the left
ankle and midfoot ligaments with
Prolotherapy is one avenue to correct this
problem. A few golf lessons would not hurt either. The proper weight shift is
vital to hitting a golf ball with power.
Ross
Hauser, M.D.
is one of the leading experts
in the treatment of chronic pain and
sports injuries
with
Prolotherapy.
Do you
want to discuss this with us?
Ask
Dr. Hauser About Prolotherapy
The information on this website is presented
as information only and not a self-help
guide NOR AS SPECIFIC HEALTH
RECOMMENDATIONS. Never alter or change your
health management or begin any new health
plans without first consulting your personal
health care provider. Some
statements on this site regarding the value
of nutritional supplements have not been
evaluated by the FDA.
As with any
medical technique,
Prolotherapy may not be effective for every
individual and there are risks involved,
these risks should be discussed with your
physician. Results achieved with some may not be
typical of all. Please consult a physician.
Please read
Prolotherapy Risks
There is no known cure for arthritis.
Prolotherapy
and nutritional supplements can help
alleviate, reverse, or end arthritic pain by
treating an underlying cause that
contributes to degenerative disease,
ligament laxity. Strengthening ligaments and
other connective tissue can help prevent
bone on bone arthritis from developing.
Caring Medical
and Rehabilitation Services 715 Lake Street
Suite 600 Oak Park IL, 60301