Balance and Neuropathy

[J-Blade]

Hi guys, 

 

I hope this is the right section to post this topic... I'm 68, retired for about a year and because of numbness in my feet and some balance issues I kind of gave up on playing. I'm too young for this stuff.. I still love the game and I've been playing since high school. Any ideas and tips from other guys dealing with this would be appreciated. 

 

Thanks guys. 

[The Aspidistra in the Hall]

5 hours ago, J-Blade said:

Hi guys, 

 

I hope this is the right section to post this topic... I'm 68, retired for about a year and because of numbness in my feet and some balance issues I kind of gave up on playing. I'm too young for this stuff.. I still love the game and I've been playing since high school. Any ideas and tips from other guys dealing with this would be appreciated. 

 

Thanks guys. 

Sorry to hear of your issues.

I'm 79 and work on balance issues evry morning as routine. Knee raises to a height you feel comfortable with, one leg at a time and maybe using a chair for security and confidence. Number of reps you feel comfortable with and build from there. This will also build muscle strength (which vanishes like summer snow if you don't work at it in advancing years)

[BIG STU]

Ok I will give you my insight and with my way of putting words and thoughts on the screen hope I do not confuse you.

In 2020 I had an accident and broke both sides of the L-2 and collapsed the disc. I also have permanent nerve damage. I do not have much lower body movement and balance issues. Really pre accident I did not have good balance. I always had as the old timers called it "happy feet". They also called it shuffling. Now this was before Scotty Scheffler was born.

Now post accident my body does not work like it used to. And BTW I am 66 years old. Since my lower body does not work like it used to I had to rebuild my swing not only to keep balance but to keep from hurting myself.

I basically use a half swing (I am right handed) only taking the club back to about 10:00 or so. I also had to narrow my stance to restrict the turn. As with me you have to find a way to swing and play that will not hurt you. 

With reduced distance I did move up one set of tees and learned to plot my away around the course. Now I have always had a lot of upper body strength and I rely on that. I do upper body exercises to keep my upper body strength up. 

Now I will say this and trust me I learned the hard way. How ever you go make sure to check with your docs first. I went at it too hard and set myself back at least 2 years. I would leave therapy and go to the course and swing the heaviest clubs I own. My Neurologist said in his 35 years of practice he had never seen anyone try as hard as I did. I think part of it was my goal. I was already retired and drawing SS working part time when I had my accident. My goal was not to rehab and go back to work but to rehab and enjoy my "golden years" playing golf. 

Now with me it had a lot of physiological stuff involved too. At one time I was a Mini Tour player and a long knocker. Even at age 62 before the accident I was still playing the mid tees and a 4 to 5 handicap. All that went away after the accident. I had to learn to accept now a 10 to 12 handicap playing from the Super Senior Green tees. I have learned no matter how I play that day to accept things and to be glad to attempt to play.

Feel free anytime to ask me and I will be glad to help in whatever way I can whether it is physical or mental

[Hickory4ever]

I echo what the @BIG STU and @The Aspidistra in the Hall have said in the two posts above. I am personally recovering from serious health issues which affect balance and my forced inactivity have reduced my strength considerably. I have learned that recovery is slower as a newly minted 70 year old but is still possible if you respect your limitations and don’t overdo it.

 

As @BIG STU has indicated, making adjustments can allow you to play. Shortening your swing will reduce balance issues and I highly recommend moving up a set of blocks or two to reduce temptation and frustration. It is important to find what is sustainable for you now at this stage of your golfing life. Be thankful that you can still play and have a positive attitude.

 

After my recent health challenges, I am two clubs weaker than last year. I will hopefully get some of my strength back with a sustainable exercise regimen, but play is still possible regardless. 
 

@J-Blade, I wish you well in your journey. 

 

 

[The Aspidistra in the Hall]

I'm making enquiries about Creatine supplements @ 1.5 gms a day for 30 days.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21394604/

 

My medical supervisors will be commenting but my thinking is it might help my body to replace some of the lost muscle (with a bit of workout help from me, of course).

[ezgoer]

  Concentrate on building leg strength. Start with simple body weight squats. Many as you can, start with whatever you can do and try to gradually increase but listen to what you’re body is saying. If you advance never get your but lower than your knees. Once you get comfortable with squats advance to reverse lunges(they are easier on your knees).  As much as I hope and wish you can golf again you need to regain some strength just for everyday activity. Strength should help with balance. 
 

  So I’m much younger at 55 but bye 50 I had gotten quite heavy. Also have minimal cartilage in knee caps and left knee is very close to bone on bone. Suffered bone bruise constantly. Babying my knees I lost all of my basic leg strength. My balance was terrible. Buddies would give me crap cuz they couldn’t walk next to me cuz I’d zigzag and bump shoulders into them like I was drunk. So I found a way to loose 70lbs and suddenly my knees felt a million times better and feel pretty good now. I started working on regaining leg and knee strength and my balance came back.  I’m steadily gaining more strength cuz I’ve become addicted to fitness now cuz I actually like doing it. 
 

Good luck and know your not alone.

[ezgoer]

When you start this you could experience pretty big muscle soreness a few hours afterwards. Make sure the pain is in your muscles not your joints. That’s a normal lactic acid buildup from the muscle breakdown and replenishment.  Should happen less and less the more you do it but it’s a struggle at first. 
 

The protein shakes and protein powder can help with this. Stuff isn’t cheap but can be gotten at big box stores for much cheaper than if you buy it at a convenient store. I also relied on a blood flow boosting stimulant at first and I really liked it. Could have been “snake oil sales speak” IDK

[J-Blade]

Thanks guys. Much appreciated. I feel better about going back to playing now. I've been doing cardio-walks of about 25 minutes/day, both around the neighborhood and at the gym. I'll also try the exercises "Aspidistra" mentioned. 

[Pepperturbo]

Now, in my early 70s, I've come to believe balance issues are inherent as we age, especially for those of us that when young put our bodies though hell.   Yesterday when I left the gym my legs were wobbling all the way to the car and for the rest of the day. 

 

We just have to fight our way through whatever aging brings our way.  I take a few supplements but not a believer supplement's will re-build muscles.  Supplements without exercise does nada.  There is NO easy fast way, we must exercise.  I know many guys that walk with their wives, it has a positive effect too, except it does nothing for golf.

 

My only advice is a thorough workout regime including cardio least three times a week.  My buddies hear that from me all the time too, yet only one guy try's to hit the gym.  Our legs are the first to go thanks to aging.  Guess what part of the body is needed most during the swing, legs. 

Edited April 10, 2024 by Pepperturbo

[ShortGolfer]

I had a stroke and had to learn how to walk again so I am an expert in balance issues.

I didn't think I had enough balance to play golf until just a few years ago.

I discovered that walking with high heels improved my balance! I'd go shopping at Westfarms mall wearing heels.  That was a long walk to window shop all the stores.

I'm only 5' 2" and 110lbs so there aren't the health risks of wearing heels for folks that are bigger.  It worked for me but may not be a practical option.

 

I started with a simple rotational swing with no weight shift.  The lack of weight shift cost me about 20% in distance to swing with just a little weight shift at just the right timing.

It allowed me to swing a golf club hard without losing my balance.

 

Last year I couldn't feel in my right foot due to an after effect of the stroke.  I accidentally stood on someone's foot at a party and didn't notice for a while. 🙄

I worked on my irons and short game last year.  I tried shortening my driver swing but I decided that didn't help any.

This year I working on my driver swing.    I found a swing that works for me. A long back swing that starts slow with the goal of hitting the ball straight down the fairway.

 

 

Edited April 10, 2024 by ShortGolfer

[Pepperturbo]

2 hours ago, ShortGolfer said:

I had a stroke and had to learn how to walk again so I am an expert in balance issues.

I didn't think I had enough balance to play golf until just a few years ago.

I discovered that walking with high heels improved my balance! I'd go shopping at Westfarms mall wearing heels.  That was a long walk to window shop all the stores.

I'm only 5' 2" and 110lbs so there aren't the health risks of wearing heels for folks that are bigger.  It worked for me but may not be a practical option.

 

I started with a simple rotational swing with no weight shift.  The lack of weight shift cost me about 20% in distance to swing with just a little weight shift at just the right timing.

It allowed me to swing a golf club hard without losing my balance.

 

Last year I couldn't feel in my right foot due to an after effect of the stroke.  I accidentally stood on someone's foot at a party and didn't notice for a while. 🙄

I worked on my irons and short game last year.  I tried shortening my driver swing but I decided that didn't help any.

This year I working on my driver swing.    I found a swing that works for me. A long back swing that starts slow with the goal of hitting the ball straight down the fairway.

 

 

Here in California, we have more than our fair share of males that do the same.  LOL I won't say more. 

[bcstones]

lots of interesting info here....i'm 77ish & a wee bit over 33 years ago I was in an MVA in South Texas that put me into BAMC for 5 straight months & seen by PT & OT for the next 12 - 15 years. One of the first thoughts I had when I read your opening post & reading about "numbness of feet" & quirky balance - was the numbness related to actual physical (bone & nerve) or medical (like endocrine "stuff") and was your balance issue related to, perhaps, brain injury/concussion or perhaps something along the lines of 'benign paroxysmal postural vertigo' - where for some reason, the liths/stones in the inner ear, one or more of them migrate out....that can be quite an experience (happened to me a number of years back). Not looking for any answers, non of my busines....however, brings up my next question - are there any Sport Medicine clinics in your area, that you might be able to access or be ordered to by your personal md...or any personal (md, od, nurse practioner, physican assistand, PT, OT or even a personal trainer at local fitness center) who could set up a program designed to meet your goal to consistently play a round of golf, as you are today.

 

for inspiration, I'd suggest Ernest Jones...pre WWI, he was a top amateur in the UK. I believe he was a pilot in WWI, whatever tho he lost a leg. Remember, this was over a 100 years ago & a proper fitting prosthesis took time. In the meantime, Jones practiced ONE LEGGED & learned to balance his swing. So when he was finally fitted, he applied that same knowledge/experience to "two legged". One legged, you can't force the swing...and that was the basis of his instruction - "Just swing, let the clubhead do the work" (which is the title of his book, I believe), and that is what he taught, rather successfully in the UK. Somewhere in the '30s he came to the US & instructed. MacGregor signed him on around the late '30s. He was not popular w/US club pro instructors cuz he stressed simplicity instead of trying to figure out planes of swing, where your feet were, where your hands were & all those other "wrongs" pointed out by the majority of US instructors. 

 

Hmm....should take my own advice. Ok, while waiting for OT & ortho appts & since the accident left me w/my right knee being mostly my left hip & now 1' shorter right vs left, all I have to do is remove my right shoe & I'll try to swing (no more that 1/2 to 3/4 swing) to hit a practice ball without putting weight on my right....🤣  Any of you reading this far - try it yourself...

oh, just one other thing....go back to playing the "GAME" of Golf, forget the score, forget the strokes - just aim, set up and swing, then find the ball, aim, set up and swing, then find the ball, aim, set up and swing, etc etc etc...just keep in the NOW not the past hit or the future hit...just the one NOW. till the ball goes in the hole.

Have fun....Enjoy the Game

 

Edited April 10, 2024 by bcstones

[J-Blade]

49 minutes ago, bcstones said:

lots of interesting info here....i'm 77ish & a wee bit over 33 years ago I was in an MVA in South Texas that put me into BAMC for 5 straight months & seen by PT & OT for the next 12 - 15 years. One of the first thoughts I had when I read your opening post & reading about "numbness of feet" & quirky balance - was the numbness related to actual physical (bone & nerve) or medical (like endocrine "stuff") and was your balance issue related to, perhaps, brain injury/concussion or perhaps something along the lines of 'benign paroxysmal postural vertigo' - where for some reason, the liths/stones in the inner ear, one or more of them migrate out....that can be quite an experience (happened to me a number of years back). Not looking for any answers, non of my busines....however, brings up my next question - are there any Sport Medicine clinics in your area, that you might be able to access or be ordered to by your personal md...or any personal (md, od, nurse practioner, physican assistand, PT, OT or even a personal trainer at local fitness center) who could set up a program designed to meet your goal to consistently play a round of golf, as you are today.

 

for inspiration, I'd suggest Ernest Jones...pre WWI, he was a top amateur in the UK. I believe he was a pilot in WWI, whatever tho he lost a leg. Remember, this was over a 100 years ago & a proper fitting prosthesis took time. In the meantime, Jones practiced ONE LEGGED & learned to balance his swing. So when he was finally fitted, he applied that same knowledge/experience to "two legged". One legged, you can't force the swing...and that was the basis of his instruction - "Just swing, let the clubhead do the work" (which is the title of his book, I believe), and that is what he taught, rather successfully in the UK. Somewhere in the '30s he came to the US & instructed. MacGregor signed him on around the late '30s. He was not popular w/US club pro instructors cuz he stressed simplicity instead of trying to figure out planes of swing, where your feet were, where your hands were & all those other "wrongs" pointed out by the majority of US instructors. 

 

Hmm....should take my own advice. Ok, while waiting for OT & ortho appts & since the accident left me w/my right knee being mostly my left hip & now 1' shorter right vs left, all I have to do is remove my right shoe & I'll try to swing (no more that 1/2 to 3/4 swing) to hit a practice ball without putting weight on my right....🤣  Any of you reading this far - try it yourself...

oh, just one other thing....go back to playing the "GAME" of Golf, forget the score, forget the strokes - just aim, set up and swing, then find the ball, aim, set up and swing, then find the ball, aim, set up and swing, etc etc etc...just keep in the NOW not the past hit or the future hit...just the one NOW. till the ball goes in the hole.

Have fun....Enjoy the Game

 

Thanks, BCstones... I'm a firm believer in Arnie's "Swing your swing" theory, so a lot of that works for me. 

 

My wife had the inner ear stones thing a few years ago, but that was more vertigo than balance. Mine is probably more a result of toe numbness and balance when I try to make athletic moves or turn fast. Pickle ball last year was not a good idea...

[J-Blade]

1 hour ago, Pepperturbo said:

Here in California, we have more than our fair share of males that do the same.  LOL I won't say more. 

I wasn't going to go there... LOL.. 

 

BTW, any chance your screen name is a reference to Pepperdine U? I retired from there last year.

[Hickory4ever]

@J-Blade, the guys that have commented have given some good advice and shared experiences that have allowed them to play the game.

 

As has been mentioned, exercise is an important part of the equation. Seeing that you are 67, I would encourage you to check with your doctor first to determine what level of exercise is safe, especially as it relates to heart issues. They could also refer you to a physiotherapist that deals with the balance issues.

 

Certainly, you should play golf but realize that you are not 55 anymore. Have reasonable expectations and just have fun. 

[@_the_crook]

16 hours ago, BIG STU said:

only taking the club back to about 10:00 or so.

this is a benefit to many players, regardless of current health.

swing 10 to 2. seems to help reduce any OTT and other swing maladies.

[bcstones]

1 hour ago, J-Blade said:

Thanks, BCstones... I'm a firm believer in Arnie's "Swing your swing" theory, so a lot of that works for me. 

 

My wife had the inner ear stones thing a few years ago, but that was more vertigo than balance. Mine is probably more a result of toe numbness and balance when I try to make athletic moves or turn fast. Pickle ball last year was not a good idea...

well, Ernst Jones & Arnold Palmer are absolute opposites on swing....Jones is "Just swing & let the clubhead do the work", while Palmer is the poster-boy for "just whack the ball with every erg of energy in your body"....totally different concepts

 

vertigo is imbalance...your wife's vertigo was related to bppv. Your vertigo seems to related to a loss of contact w/the ground - the 'why' is something between you & your medical support. While the work-around is how to regain some sense of contact with Mother Earth...

I have no idea what pickle ball is, but "athletic moves or turn fast" is the equivelant of "forcing your swing" & you can hurt yourself.

good luck....

 

[J-Blade]

2 minutes ago, bcstones said:

well, Ernst Jones & Arnold Palmer are absolute opposites on swing....Jones is "Just swing & let the clubhead do the work", while Palmer is the poster-boy for "just whack the ball with every erg of energy in your body"....totally different concepts

 

vertigo is imbalance...your wife's vertigo was related to bppv. Your vertigo seems to related to a loss of contact w/the ground - the 'why' is something between you & your medical support. While the work-around is how to regain some sense of contact with Mother Earth...

I have no idea what pickle ball is, but "athletic moves or turn fast" is the equivelant of "forcing your swing" & you can hurt yourself.

good luck....

 

I told my doc about it and he said it was probably due to weight, poor circulation in my extremities, aging, etc. It's mainly my toes and the lack of feedback causes a balance issue. It's not a huge problem, but as balance is important in a golf swing, it is frustrating. Lots of good advice on this thread, so that is encouraging. 

 

Here's a primer on pickleball... It's basically tennis for the over 40 set 🙂 https://usapickleball.org/what-is-pickleball/

[bcstones]

53 minutes ago, J-Blade said:

Here's a primer on pickleball... It's basically tennis for the over 40 set

I quit tennis, badminton, volleyball...anything that would put a lot of stress on a rebuilt knee. 😂 which left golf, swimming, hiking, canoeing/kayaking & bicycling...

Edited April 11, 2024 by bcstones

[bcstones]

6 hours ago, Pepperturbo said:

Here in California, we have more than our fair share of males that do the same.  LOL I won't say more. 

Just out of curiosity...why are you assuming that ShortGolfer is a man? Why not a Lady?

[J-Blade]

37 minutes ago, bcstones said:

I quit tennis, badminton, volleyball...anything that would put a lot of stress on a rebuilt knee. 😂 which left golf, swimming, hiking, canoeing/kayaking & bicycling...

Smart.. I lasted less than one set, fell, and said, "That's it for me" 🙂 Swimming is excellent for people with knee issues. Hiking, not so much, but if you can do it, great. 

[The Aspidistra in the Hall]

It sound dull, I know, but I use theraband loops a lot especially for those single leg knee raises. Theraband is your friend as you age. With imagination it's like having a portable gym. Loads of golfing related exercises on-line...Y-tube eg.

[BIG STU]

6 hours ago, J-Blade said:

I told my doc about it and he said it was probably due to weight, poor circulation in my extremities, aging, etc. It's mainly my toes and the lack of feedback causes a balance issue. It's not a huge problem, but as balance is important in a golf swing, it is frustrating. Lots of good advice on this thread, so that is encouraging. 

 

Here's a primer on pickleball... It's basically tennis for the over 40 set 🙂 https://usapickleball.org/what-is-pickleball/

I do not know in depth about Pickleball but get the general gist of the game. Around here in this retirement mecca it seems to be popular now. Several municipalities here have converted Tennis courts to Pickleball and new ones are being constructed.

On the negative side I saw a news report on injuries increasing among seniors playing pickleball. I know one of the guys in my golf league his wife fell last week playing pickleball and broke her wrist and ulna. But then again us seniors could fall going into the grocery store and do the same thing.

[BIG STU]

9 hours ago, Hickory4ever said:

@J-Blade, the guys that have commented have given some good advice and shared experiences that have allowed them to play the game.

 

As has been mentioned, exercise is an important part of the equation. Seeing that you are 67, I would encourage you to check with your doctor first to determine what level of exercise is safe, especially as it relates to heart issues. They could also refer you to a physiotherapist that deals with the balance issues.

 

Certainly, you should play golf but realize that you are not 55 anymore. Have reasonable expectations and just have fun. 

IMHO That last paragraph says it all. Trust me I had to learn those facts and honestly it has taken me a while. But FINALLY I have learned to accept it and roll with the flow so to speak

[BIG STU]

6 hours ago, bcstones said:

Just out of curiosity...why are you assuming that ShortGolfer is a man? Why not a Lady?

HMMMM certainly food for thought

[BIG STU]

28 minutes ago, The Aspidistra in the Hall said:

It sound dull, I know, but I use theraband loops a lot especially for those single leg knee raises. Theraband is your friend as you age. With imagination it's like having a portable gym. Loads of golfing related exercises on-line...Y-tube eg.

I have used them ever since my accident. At first they were for my core. I also had to train with them because I broke my shoulder too in my accident. I use them every morning especially with upper body exercises because now that is where my power comes from the upper body. Another plus is they get the morning juices flowing without stressing things out body wise

[The Aspidistra in the Hall]

6 hours ago, bcstones said:

Just out of curiosity...why are you assuming that ShortGolfer is a man? Why not a Lady?

Checking out the post and context I didn't read it that way, more about 'lady-men' in California....Lol.

[Hickory4ever]

Pickleball is very popular here too. It is also a popular reason for trips to the ER, especially with joint and Achilles tendon issues. If you are out of shape, probably not the best idea.

 

I play golf because I love to play and am not trying to capture former “glory”. I embrace each day as a new challenge and the game is fun regardless of the score. I had this conversation with a couple playing partners on Sunday at our fifth hole. We were talking about how our game changes as we grow older (they knew I was turning 70 this week). We were playing the whites at 152 yards with a slight headwind and I hit a 4 hybrid pin high to 5 feet. I remarked that this was the same club that I used in 2006 for my HIO from the back tees (192 yards). Playing from the whites now is an appropriate challenge now as the black tees were 20 years ago, the game is still fun.

 

Attitude is everything. I remember playing with my dad in his 70’s and how special that was for my brother Brian and I. Dad has been gone for fifteen years and I am now the old golfer in the family. The games with my younger brother, BIL, and nephews are some of the most enjoyable rounds. Golf is a journey, enjoy the ride.

[Pepperturbo]

12 hours ago, bcstones said:

Just out of curiosity...why are you assuming that ShortGolfer is a man? Why not a Lady?

Next time, leave your assumptions out of what you read, maybe then you'll realize a statement is just that.  

[Pepperturbo]

17 hours ago, J-Blade said:

I wasn't going to go there... LOL.. 

 

BTW, any chance your screen name is a reference to Pepperdine U? I retired from there last year.

Sorry, no.  When I chose my screen name, I happened to own a Porsche Cayenne Turbo.  Enthusiasts coined them Pepperturbo.

Edited April 11, 2024 by Pepperturbo