Do you have ankle pain while playing golf?
Are you recovering from an ankle injury?
Would you like to be able to golf and walk without ankle pain?
Are Ankle Injuries Common?
Ankle injuries from golfing is not a common area for the golfer to experience. However, the repetitive movements and rotation involved in golfing can put an increase stress on the ankles, leading to pain, discomfort, and sometimes even injury. Understanding the reasons for ankle pain and taking the steps to prevent it can help golfers enjoy the game as long as they want to play.
Ignoring the Issue
The foot and ankle provide a stable base to help translate the forces through the ground into the body to generate club head speed. If you are having ankle pain and not addressing it you are limiting the amount of club head speed you can produce. A majority of ankle pain/ injury occurs during the follow through when weight is transferred to the lead side and the golfer is rotating around the lead leg.
What is the Cause?
Most of the golfers that we see having limited MOBILITY. Lack of mobility in the ankle can results in increased stress placed on the joint leading to pain and discomfort. Having lack of mobility can also increase the risk of ankle sprains. One of the easiest ways to see if you have an appropriate amount of ankle mobility is to kneel with your foot 4 inches away from the wall and you should be able to touch your knee to the wall without your heel coming up off the floor. If you are unable to do this, you are putting yourself at risk for pain and injury. Speaking of mobility, we have a full at home Golf Performance Assessment where you can see how mobile you are in the 4 most critical areas AND see how you compare to other golfers your age. Check it out by clicking here.
Strength is another important factor that can impact your ankle while playing golf. Strong calf muscles provide stability and support that allows you to maintain proper from and reduce the risk of injury. Not having strength around the ankles can lead to instability and increase risk for injury. A quick way to identify if your ankle has enough strength is to perform a single leg calf raise at least 15 times and by being able to perform single leg balance for at least 30 seconds. *Now obviously do not perform these if you are recovery from an injury or currently have pain.
If you are experiencing persistent pain, it is important to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. If you would like to discuss your ankle
pain with one of our Golf Performance Specialist, click here.
Author-
Spencer Cole
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Disclaimer: This blog content is for general educational information purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. References available upon request.
