Foot Pain Ruining Your Golf Swing?

(NAPSA)—Thenext time you head to your favorite golf course, make sure your feet are in shape before approaching the tee box. The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) says your big toe, heel and ball of your foot are the spots most likely to cause pain that can ruin yourgolf swing. But pain relief is possible and frequently does not require surgery. According to the ACFAS Web site FootPhysicians.com, the three most common foot conditions that can be the barrier to a perfect golf swing are neuromas, arthritis and heel pain. Neuromas are nerves that become thickened, enlarged and painful because they’ve been compressedor irritated. A neuroma in the ball of your foot can causesignificant pain as your body transfers its weight from onefoot to the other while swinging the club. Arthritis can cause pain in the joint of your big toe that makes it difficult to follow through. Heel pain typically results from an inflammation of the band of tissue that extends from your heel to the ball of your foot. People with this condition compare the pain to someonejabbing a knife in their heel. Heel pain can make it uncomfortable for golfers to maintain a solid stance during crucial portions of the swing. Several other painful conditions can also makethe perfect Stockdisc/Stockdisc Premium/Getty Images swing difficult. Ankle arthritis or ankle instability can affect the proper weight shift during the golf swing. Some athletes and former athletes develop chronic ankle instability from previous ankle sprains that failed to heal properly. Achilles tendonitis can also contribute to balance-threatening instability during your golf swing. Ill-fitting golf shoes may cause corns and calluses that make standing uncomfortable. Foot pain is not normal. With the treatment options available to your foot and ankle surgeon, a painfree golf swing is clearly in view. Whenyourfeet aren’t in top condition, your golf swing won’t be either. For reliable information on painful foot and ankle conditions or to locate a foot and ankle surgeon nearby, visit the ACFAS Web site FootPhysicians.com.