Don't let your arthritis get in the way of a beautiful round of golf!

It's hard to think of a better way to enjoy a pristine sunny afternoon than hitting the links for 18 holes of golf glory. But for people living with arthritis, golf may be a relatively painful game that can prove more frustrating than rewarding. Don't fret though, there are many ways to help manage symptoms of arthritis on the golf course. From altering your swing to purchasing new accessories, here are a few ways that may make golfing with arthritis a much more pleasant experience:

Practice makes perfect

First off, it's important to remember that physical activity is an essential tactic when it comes to alleviating pain and stiffness brought on by arthritis. Golf is an ideal workout for many people living with arthritis, because it's a go-at-your-own-pace game that may increase your overall range of motion and flexibility without requiring tremendous aerobic activity. According to the Arthritis Foundation, playing a round of golf now and then is a great way to improve your strength, balance and coordination, all while relishing some sunlight during an ideal day.

Smarten your swing

One of the biggest secrets to minimizing pain is establishing a solid swing that can effectively drive the ball without provoking your symptoms of arthritis. If you're constantly reaching back and whacking the ball with all your force, you might want to consider a shorter backswing that will carefully shift your weight without wearing down your body. Your backswing should end earlier than you expect to avoid back, shoulder and elbow injuries, and when you finish your swing, your spine should be as vertical as you can get it, to minimize spinal pressure.

How you play

Another redeeming quality about golf is that there are so many ways to play the game. This typically pertains to whether you're a more competitive or laid-back player, but for those with arthritis, how you play the game may have a substantial impact on reducing pain. For starters, take a cart out on the course to avoid fatigue, especially if it's a hot day outside. You also should be aware that you don't have to tee off from the farthest markers away from the green. There's no shame in playing from the red tees, especially if it means the difference between a pain-free or tortuous round.

Accessorize

The equipment you use is also a key dynamic to alleviating symptoms of arthritis, and switching it up may also drastically improve your golf game. For your clubs, playing with lightweight graphite shafts and perimeter-weighted heads will help absorb the shock of hitting the ball, so your body doesn't have to. You can also customize the grip on your clubs, which can make it easier to grasp while also eliminating stress and pain on your finger joints. Wearing gloves is also another way to boost your grip while easing hand discomfort.

To learn more about exercise and arthritis:

Pilates Exercises to Ease Arthritis Pain
Flexibility Exercises Help Arthritis Patient
Taking the Plunge: Aquatic Exercise Offers Arthritis Relief