Goals, Troubles, and Advise - 2007/08/09 01:17
Hi all,
I think this is my first post on the forum. I am really bummed out right now. I haven't played in about two weeks now and I think I am going crazy. I decided to post so that I can tell everyone about my goals and ask some questions.
My goal for this year was to place in the top three for NorCal AM1. I think this would be a great way to explore some of the really cool courses I haven't played yet, improve my game drastically, and set a goal that will be hard to achieve but won't be out of reach. Then disaster struck..... lol
I hurt my foot pretty bad. It was one of those injuries that kind of sneaks up on you. I strained the ligaments above my big foot on my right foot. (The foot I push off to take my first step while driving) I don't know how to explain it, If you imagine hop a sprinter would take off and the leverage on their toes. I was wondering if anyone has had this kind of problem and would have any advise on how to get it better the fastest. From what I hear with your feet you just gotta kind of let it fix itself. I have been taping my toes for support and trying to keep it easy on them but for everyday it gets better some days it gets worse. I was thinking about doing something like walking in the sand or swimming to strengthen my foot. I was just hoping anyone would have any hint on some remedy to this problem.... Harder shoes, shorter shoes, inserts...... Also I push off on the side of my foot when i take my first step. Maybe some advise on form in real life would be great. Also if anyone knows of a really large disc golf forum I might be able to ask these questions on that would be great. Anyways thanks for the help everyone.
My plan is to not play for the month of August and let my foot get better. Probably come out and do some putting. I have been going to the gym a lot so that when I come back I will be in good shape for making a real run at NorCal. Then take the first two weeks in Sept to get back in form. Then starting at Shady Oaks see how it goes from there. I would love to have all of you guys support while I try this.
Thanks everyone for some advise on this and I can never think you guys enough from all the things about disc golf and life I pick up just from playing with you guys. Hope I see you all soon
-Derek Hopkins- #31966
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Skippy Jammer
Senior
Re:Goals, Troubles, and Advise - 2007/08/09 18:13
Without knowing much of the details of your injury answer these questions and I might be able to offer some help. How did you hurt it? When did you hurt it. What did it feel like when you hurt it. You mentioned that most foot injuries need to be rested to heal. That is very true. I would advise respecting the injury and not be in a hurry to get back on it for at least a month. Probably more. Don't rush back into it either. I've had multiple foot injuries and each time i try to take the same approach. Be patient. Work on other skills while you heel. Feel fee to email me directly. kdgivens@ucsc.edu
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Stan Pratt
Admin
Re:Goals, Troubles, and Advise - 2007/08/09 19:37
Skippy knows what he's talking about. The best possible thing to do for an injury is to let it heal completely. Luckily, disc golf is a multi-faceted game and you can work on many things during your down time. Putting, of course, is the biggest and will take many strokes off your score. Also, driving with no run up will help a lot with your form. You'll find yourself getting better distance with more effort by working on the basics of your drive with no run up. Then, once your healed you'll be able to pull it all together. The no run up practice will also help with your approach game because your up shots will benefit from the improvement of your form.
The PDGA forums is a pretty active messageboard, you have to do a bit of wading through the bunk to get to the nuggets of info that go through it though. This topic is a good place for technique questions and information. Also, seek out a pro. Most of them will happily give advice while playing a round with you. I'm guessing that your home course is Shady Oaks (Orangevale) or Rocklin. Check with the Final 9 and see if there is somebody offering lessons. If you want, I can also hook you up with the contact information of some of the pros or baggers in your area. Just toss me an email at stan dot pratt at gmail dot com.
I'll put in a plug here for one of our local pros that has a blog that focuses on the mental side of the game. Jack's Blahg is a fun read and full of good tips for keeping your head during the round. Good luck!
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Derek Hopkins
newbie
Re:Goals, Troubles, and Advise - 2007/08/09 20:20
Thanks guys, that sounds great.
I went to the doctor today and she gave me some valuable advise. She basically said what I knew, that I had flat feet and bad arches. But she also mentioned how bad this can mess with you. She said that as far as staying healthy in concerned diet and exercise are first and taking care of your feet are second. She referred me to a foot doctor for some inserts. Also she told me one kind to buy and what type of running shoes to buy. A shoe with a stiff heel is important and lots of heel supports on your inserts are important. She recommended super feet of another that starts with an S. The best thing she said was that opposed to my thoughts that it would take forever to heal, she said that without going overboard being active and just letting your feet do their thing now that they have proper mechanics will rapidly heal my feet. Much faster then I might think. After wearing these insoles I got at Jerrie's for just a few hours I really have almost no pain in my foot. Anyways I am still going to take some time off but I'm glad I can work out at the gym and get outside a bit more now.
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jason esper
Grand
Re:Goals, Troubles, and Advise - 2007/08/09 20:52
growing up a skateboarder i did some major diservice to my feet a good trick i have always used to get ligaments back in shape is whenever you are able (on the couch computer etc..) take your big toe and do the alphabet in cursive it gets your foot moving and has helped my with many a foot injury also stans advice about the no run up is great i have played a bunch latley with t.j. (he is in a walking cast and cant run up) and he has been throwing some incredible control shots even big ol hammers good luck jason
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