Jun 10 2011
When Can I Golf? (Day 44 / June 10)
I need some info on when people started trying to play golf. How long did it take you to go to the range after you got the boot off? How long did it take to play a round of golf? What are the risks/things to watch out for on the course? Are there any wraps for your ankle that are best?
I have a golf outing the first week of August. The first day of the outing will be exactly 100 days since surgery so I am not even half way there yet.
Let me know…..I need to get to the range…..
I’m not a golfer, but. . . If and when you can (a) stay on your feet that long, (b) walk that far, and (c) do the “moves” of the golf swing, all together and all without serious pain, discomfort, or injury, I’d say you’re OK.
Try not to step into any holes, sand traps, or water hazards, of course!
Jaybird - I too am a golfer, and unfortunately I am behind you in terms of recovery. My surgery from ATR was 4 weeks ago today.
However, I talked to my doctor specifically about golf, and he indicated that I would be golfing in August. I am currently in a boot and PWB. I am told I will be in a shoe in about 4 weeks.
If you get information on ankle wraps, or you go to the range and hit balls, I would be very interested in hearing how things feel. I tend to push things, and I don’t want to re-rupture on my first full swing with the driver.
I do plan to start putting and chipping in the next week or two. At least I can improve that part of my game.
Best to you.
A question for those further along in recovery (along the same lines as Chuck’s query) rather than advice: would it make sense to wear an ace bandage or ankle support when first returning to activities? Or would that be pointless? Just curious . . .
Jaybird…my question exactly! My surgery was 4/11 and I got out of my boot on 5/20. I started PT 5/23, three times a week. My Dr said a “couple months” a couple months ago but play it by “feel”. I am going to try 9 this Wed with Father’s Day as my goal for a full 18. Overall the stability is there, no jumping after my eagle though! Good luck to you….
An Ace bandage is pretty much useless and would not stop a re-rupture. My PT told me that the only thing an Ace bandage is good for is compression to reducing swelling and they are quite good for that, as well as giving yourself Gangrene. A boot or cast are just about the only things that can prevent a re-rupture.
Good to know. Don’t want to re-rupture, or get gangrene for that matter. Thanks for the info GerryR.
I would suggest that good shoes are a vital component particularly the stud scenario - We’ve all had that horrible moment when your foot slips as you hit the ball - A re-rupture moment if ever I saw one. I’m 3 years in and play happily however It was 9 months before I walked round 18 holes ( I used a buggy prior to that)
Richard.
On Tuesday I will be 13 weeks post surgery for a total rupture and on Wednesday, I will play my 4th week of league golf. My PT told me after seeing me, I could do anything except run. I was 4 weeks in a cast and 4 weeks in a walking boot. My foot/leg does swell but I’ve had no issue walking or swinging my clubs….I do use the injury as an excuse on bad shots!!!
sadams: Was your injury on your right leg, and are you right handed? Mine was and I am.. I am hoping to start swinging a club in a few weeks. My surgery was May 13. There is a little twisting with the right leg on a swing follow thru, so I was just wondering how that felt? My biggest problem with my golf swing was not getting my weight shifted to my left leg anyway, so I am hoping the ATR was in some way a blessing, I won’t want to put weight on my right leg, so I will shave a few strokes off my game. Maybe it will make the ATR all worth it (probably not).
Thx.
Great info everyone, keep the stories coming. Sadams, that is fantastic that you are playing 9 weeks post ATR surgery. It gives me hope. I see my doc on July 1 and I am going to shoot for July 13 (week 11) for my first trip to the range. That way I will be ready for my annual golf trip the first weekend in August. Although we usually play 36/day for 3 straight days so I think that isnt going to be possible.
Check this out….I found it when doing a search on ankle supports….http://titleistprov1.net/golf-ball-titleits-pro-v1-shopping/pro-v1-pro-tec-achilles-tendon-support/
Chuckp17, it was my left leg and I’m right handed. It was a total rupture. I was at PT for 1 full week before I asked if I could play and they said, “sure”. So…..I played. I’m just chasing the one footed heal raise, I can get a little off the ground but not enough to begin a jog. The only real issue I have right now is swelling. You can do it Jay….here in Michigan its not great weather for long so we havce to take advantage. Good healing guys….
loved the comments on this blog post- so motivating. I’ve been looking for an excuse for my poor short game for years– unfortunately, it seems you’all are more concerned about the drive swing.
Jaybird17- just keep the old adage in mind: **you drive for show but putt for dough**. It seems this might be a good time to concentrate on the short game for awhile until you’re back to your ol’ self and can spank your drive again!
I hear ya Polly….although my putting will always be a mess - sometimes I think I can putt better blindfolded. I think that the injury is going to slow my swing down considerably which is probably a good thing. I’m not too worried about taking a full swing - I’m more worried about awkward stances in the sand or side/downhill lies. Of course, if I avoided the sand I wouldnt have to worry about that
Just dug this up on old my cell phone and loaded it up.
Range session about 5 days post surgery (my sister sewed me a sleeve to keep my cast clean).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x50Au6c5cq0
Played first round 3 weeks post surgery on crutches in a cast (after foot was set in neutral) hitting off one leg like in video. Played another 5 weeks post surgery in a boot. Also taking full sings on one leg. Walked full 18 holes (still a little gimpy) 2 months post surgery.
I hope this makes you laugh a little.
Just dug this up from an old cell phone.
Range session 5 days post surgery:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x50Au6c5cq0
I obviously got really bored.
At 17 weeks, I played 9-holes of golf, and felt really good! Played just like before the injury…w/a terrible slice
I’m now just past the 6 1/2 month mark, and am doing great! Am starting to feel comfortable doing some light jogging, ready to mountian bike, and tough hikes in the mountains are no problem!
Good luck.