The foundation of a biomechanically efficient golf swing is your feet
The golf swing is one of the most biomechanically challenging sporting movements to successfully execute. In order to accelerate the clubhead to upwards of 160km/h in 1/5th of a second, precise neuromuscular control and substantial physiological effort is required.
Analysis of the golf swing requires the application of Newton’s laws of motion (inertia, acceleration and action reaction), lever arms, conservation of angular momentum, projectiles, the kinetic link principle and the stretch-shorten cycle.
Foot Orthotics & Golf
Peer reviewed studies have found that Golf Orthotics:
- Increase driving distance by approximately 15 yards by increasing club head velocity (Stude, 2000)
- Reduce fatigue/ muscle pain (Stude, 2001, McRitchie, 2007)
- Improve balance & proprioception (Stude, 1997)
Common injuries
- 1st MTPJ (big toe joint) of back foot
- Medial column (midfoot & 1st metatarsal) of back foot
- Heel pain/ plantar fasciitis
- Peroneal muscles/ tendons (muscles on outside of leg) of front foot
- Bursitis, capsulitis & neuritis of the forefoot
- Lower back
- Achilles
- Ankles
Why Custom-Made Golf Orthotics?
The function of our feet during the golf swing is highly asymmetrical. Our feet must withstand high ground reaction forces and rapidly change position during the golf swing. Previous injuries/ surgeries, Osteoarthritis, Tendon damage, Alignment problems (such as flat feet, metatarsus addcutus or Pes Cavus) or impaired sensation (such as Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome or Peripheral Neuropathy) all affect how well your feet interact with the ground during your golf swing. Whilst many other joints & muscles are highly important during the golf swing, your brain references your posture & co-ordinates motor control from proprioceptive information received via your feet.
Custom Golf Orthotics alter the way your feet interacts with the ground & therefore can change the ways your muscles activate during your golf swing.
What about prefabricated Golf Orthotics?
The shape, alignment, function, balance, range of motion & motor control of our feet is unique. Pre fabricated or ‘off the shelf’ golf orthotics fail to address individual asymmetries (not to mention right and left handedness!). They may be helpful for some Golfers but are not fine tuned to optimise individual alignment, joint range or foot posture.
Can you help with recommending specific Golf Shoes?
Yes. Poorly fitting golf footwear is a leading cause of foot, ankle and lower limb pain associated with golf, in particular forefoot problems. With more brands entering the golf shoe market than ever before, there are now far more options to accommodate a wide variety of foot shapes and function. Chloe can recommend specific options best suited to optimise your comfort and performance.
Book your Custom Golf Orthotic consultation here