Golfing with Sore Hands.

Golfing with sore hands is a challenge. There are many reasons why our hands become painful, some are transient and others are more long term debilitating problems.  I have been developing arthritis in my right thumb for some time now but since starting to golf the ring finger on both hands has become swollen to the point that I have had to re-size my rings.  Over the past few months the right palm has enlarged tendons and I’m told that these could be causing my finger to bend and become stiff.  This is quite worrisome and painful when I grip so it makes golfing with sore hands something I have had to deal with this year.  Driving the first couple of holes I get a sharp pain down the right middle fingers into the palm, but surprisingly this subsides after about three holes.  I need to find some way to make my hands more comfortable when I golf.

Here’s what I’m doing to do to make golfing with sore hands manageable.  First of all I am going to a golf pro to get an analysis of my golf grip and see if there is anything I can do to alter it from the locking finger style.

For those who suffer from arthritis pros recommend graphite shafts because they are lighter and can help reduce vibrations in the arms and shoulders.  My shafts, like those on many women’s clubs, were already graphic so I knew that wasn’t the problem.

I have replaced my grips with softer, slightly larger grips that seem to make it easier to hold onto the club with less tension in the fingers.  My course’s golf pro recommended the Winn Dri-Tac midsize grip because I don’t have a large hand but they also come in a larger version.  The manufacturer says these Dri-Tac grips also provide added shock absorption which benefits for pain-free playability. I’m hoping that these softer, larger grips will allow me to put less pressure on my hands when I golf.

My putter, an Odyssey Tank, has an oversized softer grip for the same reason.  What I also like about this putter is the counterbalance weight, with a heavier head and shaft that the manufacturer says leads to “quiet the hands and engage the big muscles to promote a more consistent stroke.”

I have started wearing a special golf glove on both hands.  As the name suggests these Copper Tech Gloves offer copper infused technology for improved performance. The company claims that they support “improved circulation and oxygenation of working muscles” and keep the hands warm to prevent fatigue and strain.  Sometimes I will remove my gloves when I putt to get a better feel and I find that these gloves make that much easier, a consideration if your hands are swollen and stiff.  So far I am very happy with the comfort these gloves supply. I even gave one to my husband, who was complaining of mild achiness in his left hand,  and he seems very pleased as well.

I am also getting weekly acupuncture and pressure point treatments in the palm and fingers followed by an application of tiger balm.  As well my  orthopedic surgeon gave me a special prescription of compounded cream to rub in for some relief.

I will continue to do research on golfing techniques, tools and rehab ways to keep my hands comfortable so that I won’t have to go golfing with sore hands and allow me to continue to enjoy this wonderful sport for many years to come.

 

 

 

* The Clevland Clinic, Osteoarthritis