Step up your golf game: Foot care tips for older golfers

Golf is a fantastic sport for staying active, social, and engaged as you age. However, as an older golfer, you may notice that foot pain or discomfort can start affecting your swing, stance, and overall enjoyment of the game. At Umina Podiatry, we understand how important foot health is to your golf performance, and we’re here to help you feel like you’re walking on air from the first tee to the 18th hole. 

Common Foot Issues in Older Golfers 

Years of walking the greens, swinging clubs, and shifting weight through your feet can take a toll. Here are some of the most common foot conditions that can impact your golf game: 

  • Plantar Fasciitis – Heel pain caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, making those long walks between holes painful. 
  • Arthritis – Stiffness and pain in the joints, especially in the midfoot and toes, affecting your balance and follow-through. 
  • Bunions – Misalignment of the big toe joint, which can cause discomfort in tight golf shoes. 
  • Neuromas – A pinched nerve in the ball of the foot, leading to tingling, numbness, or pain. 
  • Heel Spurs – Bony growths on the heel that can make walking painful. 

Foot Care Tips for Better Golf Performance 

  1. Choose the Right Golf Shoes 
    • Opt for well-cushioned, supportive golf shoes with good arch support. 
    • Consider spikeless shoes if you need extra comfort. 
    • Ensure your shoes have a roomy toe box to avoid bunion and toe pain. 
  2. Stretch and Strengthen Your Feet 
    • Perform toe stretches and calf stretches before and after your round. 
    • Strengthen your foot muscles with exercises like toe scrunches and heel raises. 
  3. Use Custom Orthotics 
    • Custom insoles provide the right support for your arches and can help distribute pressure evenly. 
    • They can also improve your stability during your golf swing. 
  4. Keep Your Feet Dry and Comfortable 
    • Moisture-wicking socks can prevent blisters and fungal infections. 
    • Ensure your feet are properly dried after a round, especially if you’ve been walking in damp grass. 
  5. Address Pain Early 
    • Don’t ignore persistent foot pain—it could be an early sign of a treatable issue. 
    • Regular podiatry check-ups can help keep you on top of potential problems before they affect your game.

Stay in the Game Longer 

Your feet are the foundation of your golf game. By taking proper care of them, you can maintain flexibility, stability, and comfort while playing. At Umina Podiatry, we specialise in treating foot conditions that impact active lifestyles. If you’re experiencing foot pain on or off the course, book a consultation with our team so you can keep swinging with confidence. 

Ready to improve your golf game from the ground up? Contact Umina Podiatry today! 

Where can healthy feet take you...

Can I Treat an Ingrown Toenail at Home?

If symptoms are very mild, you may be able to:

  • Soak the foot in warm salt water
  • Keep the area clean and dry
  • Wear wider footwear
  • Avoid digging at the nail with scissors or sharp tools

However, attempting "bathroom surgery" often makes the problem worse and can introduce infection.

If pain, swelling, or infection is present, professional treatment is recommended.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Ingrown Toenails

1. Will an ingrown toenail go away on its own?

Sometimes a very mild ingrown toenail may settle with proper nail care and reduced pressure. However, many cases progressively worsen without treatment.

2. What does an ingrown toenail feel like?

Most people experience tenderness along the side of the nail, especially when wearing shoes, walking, or touching the area.

3. How do I know if my toenail is ingrown?

Common signs include pain along the nail edge, redness, swelling, and a sensation that the nail is digging into the skin.

4. Can children get ingrown toenails?

Yes. Ingrown toenails are common in teenagers and children, particularly during growth spurts or when nails are cut incorrectly.

5. Why does my ingrown toenail keep coming back?

Recurring cases are often linked to nail shape, genetics, footwear, sporting activity, or incomplete treatment of previous episodes.

6. Is ingrown toenail surgery painful?

The procedure itself is usually comfortable because a local anaesthetic is used. Most people experience only mild discomfort afterwards.

7. How long does recovery take after nail surgery?

Most patients return to normal daily activities within a few days, although complete healing typically takes several weeks.

8. Can I still work after ingrown toenail treatment?

Many patients return to desk-based work the same day or the following day. Physically demanding jobs may require a short recovery period.

9. Can I play sport with an ingrown toenail?

Mild cases may allow continued participation, but painful or infected nails often worsen with sporting activity.

10. Are ingrown toenails hereditary?

Yes. Curved nails and certain toe shapes can run in families and increase the likelihood of ingrown toenails.

11. What is the best way to cut toenails?

Trim nails straight across and avoid rounding the corners. Nails should not be cut excessively short.

12. Can tight shoes cause ingrown toenails?

Absolutely. Footwear that compresses the toes is a major contributing factor.

13. Can ingrown toenails become infected?

Yes. Broken skin around the nail creates an opening for bacteria to enter.

14. What happens if an infected ingrown toenail is left untreated?

The infection can spread into surrounding tissue and, in rare cases, cause more significant health issues.

15. Are antibiotics enough to fix an ingrown toenail?

Antibiotics may help manage infection but often do not address the actual nail causing the problem.

16. Can diabetics get ingrown toenails?

Yes, and they should seek treatment promptly due to the increased risk of complications.

17. Does soaking help an ingrown toenail?

Warm salt-water soaks may provide temporary relief and help keep the area clean but are not always a definitive treatment.

18. Why do teenagers get so many ingrown toenails?

Teenagers often experience increased sweating, changes in nail growth, sporting demands, and footwear pressures that contribute to ingrown toenails.

19. Can pregnancy increase the risk of ingrown toenails?

Pregnancy-related swelling and difficulty reaching the feet for nail care can increase the likelihood of developing ingrown toenails.

20. How successful is permanent ingrown toenail surgery?

Permanent nail procedures generally have very high success rates and are considered the gold standard for recurrent ingrown toenails.

21. Can I pull out the ingrown section myself?

This is not recommended. Attempting self-treatment frequently worsens pain, infection, and tissue damage.

22. How long should I wait before seeing a podiatrist?

If symptoms persist for more than a few days, are becoming worse, or show signs of infection, book an appointment promptly.

23. Will I lose my whole toenail?

Not usually. Most procedures remove only the problematic edge rather than the entire nail.

24. Can ingrown toenails affect both sides of the nail?

Yes. Some people develop ingrowing on both borders of the same toenail.

25. How can I prevent ingrown toenails?

Prevention strategies include:

  • Cutting nails straight across
  • Wearing properly fitted footwear
  • Managing sweaty feet
  • Avoiding trauma to the toes
  • Seeking early treatment when symptoms develop

 

Don't ignore a painful toenail

Don't let a painful ingrown toenail stop you from enjoying your daily activities. The earlier an ingrown toenail is assessed and treated, the easier it is to relieve discomfort, prevent infection, and avoid ongoing problems. Whether you're experiencing your first ingrown toenail or you're struggling with a recurring issue, professional podiatry care can provide effective, long-term solutions tailored to your needs.

If you have pain, redness, swelling, or signs of infection, contact Umina Podiatry today to book an assessment. Our experienced podiatrists can help you find relief quickly and keep your feet healthy, comfortable, and pain-free. Call our clinic or book online to take the first step toward lasting ingrown toenail relief.

 

 

Call us on 4342 2878 or jump online to book an assessment. 

 

Where can healthy feet take you...