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Orthotics for Golfers Who Need a Lift

"Heel pain is a common complaint among golfers over the age of 50, but it's not the only one that affects the feet," says Dr. Stephen Pribut, a sports Podiatrist who practices in Washington, D.C.

Orthotics allow for a normal rolling inward motion. (Provided to SportsLine) "I see golfers with Morton's neuroma (an enlarged, inflamed nerve), heel spurs, injuries to the small bones of the feet, tendinitis, and even back pain," adds Pribut, who is on the faculty at the George Washington University School of Medicine.

One treatment suggested by Pribut and other sports medicine specialists is an orthotic, a shoe insert designed to give support or relieve pressure on various parts of the feet.

Orthotics allow the feet to hit the ground in a sound mechanical position and they allow for a normal rolling inward motion. They also help the feet get back to a neutral position after they flatten on impact with the ground.

How do you know if you need orthotics that can be bought at a drug store or if you need prescription orthotics? One tip-off is recurring injuries. If your condition improves with a store-bought insert, then gets worse, or if a secondary injury develops, get help from an orthopedic surgeon or a Podiatrist/Chiropodist.

Over the counter orthotics

Over-the-counter orthotics are more like arch supports. They can be useful in easing mild conditions and they are less expensive than prescription inserts.

Pribut warns that each foot moves differently during a golf swing. The back foot must allow for more pronation during the follow through than the front foot. That is another reason for seeing a professional to get an initial evaluation of a foot problem.

Orthotics can temporarily correct a problem or they can be used indefinitely. Many athletes, including golfers over 50, use them forever because they can walk and run more efficiently and comfortably. If you are having lower extremity pain, consider the orthotics alternative. If you have already used them, give Golf After50 some feedback on the results.

Article by Jim Brown and Hershel Sarbin
Source: www.golfweb.com.