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Do I Have Arthritis?
Think you may have arthritis? Learn about the four most common warning signs.
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Gout is an inflammatory type of arthritis that can come and go.
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  • About Arthritis
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    woman holding her wristWhat Is Arthritis?

    Arthritis is not one disease. Learn about the different types of arthritis, how they differ and why it’s important.

    microbesInflammation and the Immune System

    Body-wide inflammation is at the root of most chronic diseases — and you may have more control over it than you think.

    Patient talking with nurseNewly Diagnosed With Arthritis

    A new arthritis diagnosis can be overwhelming. These tips can help.

    • Understanding Arthritis
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    Managing Arthritis Care Costs

    Learn the basics about health care costs and financial tools available to you.

    About Biosimilars

    More of these biologic medications will soon be available. Learn what they are, whether you should consider them and what to ask your doctor.

    Webinar: Sleep Solutions for Pain

    Experts discuss solutions on how to quiet nighttime pain to get better sleep.

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    Woman with upset stomachMicrobiome, Gut Health & Arthritis

    Microbiome, microbes, microorganisms – these terms may be confusing, but the types of bacteria living in and on our bodies can impact arthritis. Learn what helps or harms the microbiome and the health of your gut and discover dietary changes that can make a difference. This episode was originally released on January 19, 2021.

    woman consoling anotherArthritis and Mental Health

    Learn about the connection between arthritis, depression and anxiety and how these conditions can make your arthritis worse.

    Woman ExercisingYour Exercise Solution (YES)

    Movement is the best medicine, even when your joints hurt. Your Exercise Solution (YES) is a resource to help you create a physical activity routine with modifications developed and approved by physical therapists.

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    The Arthritis Foundation’s JA camp programs give kids with arthritis and related childhood rheumatic diseases the chance to make lasting memories.

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    The Live Yes! Arthritis community connects patients with others online and in-person for support and education, and encourages patients to play an active role in their health care.

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    The Arthritis Foundation recently launched an initiative to build stronger relationships and increase recognition of our most engaged practices. 

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    The Osteoarthritis Clinical Studies Forum Series features OA thought leaders from across the globe discussing the future of how the disease can be treated to improve patient outcomes.

    man bandaging boy's kneeConquering Childhood Arthritis

    The Arthritis Foundation is mobilizing patients and their families to engage in studies comparing the effectiveness of treatments for juvenile arthritis and funding research for more options.

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    Take action today - use the resources here to learn who your elected officials are, what opportunities we have to advocate from the comfort of your own home, federal and state legislation, and more!

    woman listening to podcastLive Yes! With Arthritis Podcast

    You may have arthritis, but it doesn't have you. The Arthritis Foundation’s one-of-a-kind podcast. Hosted by patients, for patients.

    Walk to cure arthritisWalk To Cure Arthritis

    Join the movement and make an impact by honoring those who rock your world at the Arthritis Foundation’s signature walk event, Walk to Cure Arthritis. Register as an individual or form a team and Rock the Walk in your community!

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Golfing With Arthritis

Get smart tips to adjust your swing, warm up and keep playing golf even with arthritis.

There’s no need to hang up your golf clubs once you’ve been diagnosed with arthritis. After all, the physical benefits of golf, such as improved strength, balance and coordination, and better range of motion, make it worth staying in the game. With just a few adjustments, you can improve your golf swing.

Warm Up
A good conditioning program is essential for all golfers, but especially if your joints need extra protection. Proper conditioning can help maintain as much range of motion as possible in the joints and help reduce your chances for injury. And warming up before you workout – including prior to tee times – is a must to properly help protect and prepare muscles and joints.

To warm up, begin by walking for a few minutes. Spend five to 10 minutes stretching – especially your hamstrings (rear thighs) and back.

Range-of-Motion Exercises 
Simple range-of-motion exercises before you tee off are also recommended and can help prevent injury and improve the overall performance of your game. Here are a few exercises to help you get started.

 

Range of Motion

Lift arms straight out to your sides at shoulder height. Move arms in a circular motion, gradually increasing the size of the circles. Reverse direction after 30 seconds.

With arms at your sides and elbows bent at 90 degrees, twist your torso and head to the left as if you’re looking over your shoulder and hold for five seconds. Be sure to twist from the waist. Return to starting position.

Place feet shoulder width apart. Using two hands, hold a club at opposite ends and raise it above your head. Lean your torso to one side to feel the stretch on the opposite side. Repeat 10 times on each side leaning your torso a little farther each time.

Take 10 to 15 slow three-quarter swings on the practice range before the first tee. Start out by hitting higher lofted clubs, like a pitching wedge, and begin by swinging 50 percent to 75 percent.
 

Golfing Tips

Play from the 150-yard markers if you begin to get tired. Consider using energy-saving techniques while you’re on the course. Take only the clubs you use most frequently. Pull your golf bag instead of carrying it, or rent a motorized cart instead of walking.

Keep your tension on the shaft consistent. Be careful not to let your arms and trunk become too rigid.

If you have back pain, you may find that the classic swing is more comfortable for you than the modern swing or reverse-C swing.
 

End it early – at the three o’clock position, rather than the one o’clock position – to prevent back, shoulder and elbow injuries. Always brush through the grass so you will hit the ball solidly and carry your momentum out to the target.

Focus on sweeping through the ball. Transferring weight from one leg to the other is easier if you allow your heels to lift – and it also results in a more effective shot. Let the natural momentum of the swing continue into the follow-through position.

When you stop, your spine should be as vertical as possible to minimize the load on the lumbar spine.

Whether you’re a veteran golfer or a beginner, consult your doctor or physical therapist before hitting the greens. An occupational therapist also can help advise you about any special aids or adaptive tools.

Dean Claggett, director of golf at Two Eagles Golf and Academy in West Kelowna, British Columbia, and Shandia Cordingley, a physical therapist at Dale Charles Physiotherapy in Penticton, British Columbia, worked with the Arthritis Society in Canada to develop these golf swing tips specifically for golfers with arthritis.
 

Gear Up

Use clubs with lightweight graphite shafts and perimeter-weighted heads to help absorb shock. Take only the clubs you’ll use during the game to lighten the load of your golf bag.

Get a golf bag with a wheeled cart so you can push the bag instead of pulling or carrying it.

Use a lower compression golf ball (for example, a 90 instead of a 100) so there is more “give” to the ball when you hit it.

Use long tees whenever you hit the ball – even on the practice range. Long tees let you stand taller and help protect hand and wrist joints by reducing the chance of striking the ground with the club and jarring your joints. Tees can be used even on the fairway.

Wear good-quality walking shoes or spike-less golf shoes to keep feet comfortable and reduce the chance of catching your foot and tripping. Extra cushioning or orthotics in shoes may also help decrease aches and pains as you walk the course.

Wearing gloves on both hands provides extra grip without having to increase pressure. Bionic Golf Gloves ($25, www.bionicgloves.com) have special pads to help ease hand pain and fatigue while improving grip strength.
 

Build up the grip size on your clubs with athletic tape or a custom grip to help you hold them easier and to reduce stress and pain on your finger joints. If you have arthritis in your hands, try wearing wrist braces and gloves on both hands to stabilize your joints.



 

Whether you’re a veteran golfer or a beginner, consult your doctor or physical therapist before hitting the greens. An occupational therapist also can help advise you about any special aids or adaptive tools.

Adaptation is the key to playing golf with arthritis and good golf equipment can go a long way to keeping you on the fairway. Grips, shoes, balls, clubs and more can be adjusted to fit your specific needs and abilities. In addition to the tips on golf gear listed below, your local pro shop or golf specialty store also can help you keep up-to-date on the latest products to make golfing easier on your joints.

Physical Activity
View All Articles
Tips for Running Safely With Arthritis

Physical Activity

Tips for Running Safely With Arthritis
Although running is a high-impact activity, a regular running routine can benefit your joints if done safely with these tips.
Read More
Staying Fit with Arthritis

Physical Activity

Staying Fit with Arthritis
Get tips for starting and sticking with an exercise routine to help you stay healthy when you have arthritis or a related condition.
Read More
Fitness That Fits You
Work out your own way using our YES tool, with exercises customized to your abilities.
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Walk With Ease
Reduce your arthritis pain with our proven walking program, on your own or with a group.
Learn More

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The Arthritis Foundation is focused on finding a cure and championing the fight against arthritis with life-changing information, advocacy, science and community. We can only achieve these goals with your help. Strong, outspoken and engaged volunteers will help us conquer arthritis. By getting involved, you become a leader in our organization and help make a difference in the lives of millions. Join us and become a Champion of Yes.

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Meet Our Partners

As a partner, you will help the Arthritis Foundation provide life-changing resources, science, advocacy and community connections for people with arthritis, the nations leading cause of disability. Join us today and help lead the way as a Champion of Yes.

Trailblazer

Our Trailblazers are committed partners ready to lead the way, take action and fight for everyday victories. They contribute $2,000,000 to $2,749,000

Visionary

Our Visionary partners help us plan for a future that includes a cure for arthritis. These inspired and inventive champions have contributed $1,500,00 to $1,999,999.

Pioneer

Our Pioneers are always ready to explore and find new weapons in the fight against arthritis. They contribute $1,000,000 to $1,499,999.

Pacesetter

Our Pacesetters ensure that we can chart the course for a cure for those who live with arthritis. They contribute $500,000 to $999,000.

Signature

Our Signature partners make their mark by helping us identify new and meaningful resources for people with arthritis. They contribute $250,000 to $499,999.

Supporting

Our Supporting partners are active champions who provide encouragement and assistance to the arthritis community. They contribute $100,000 to $249,999.

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