Jonny Burke
Background
Jonny, a dedicated weekend golfer, began experiencing persistent lower back discomfort after playing 18 holes. Initially dismissing it as age-related stiffness, the pain grew more frequent and intense, eventually impacting his swing mechanics and post-game recovery.
He reported:
- Pain during backswing and follow-through
- Tightness and stiffness the next morning
- Worsening fatigue in the lower back over the course of a round
Despite stretching and physiotherapy, the symptoms persisted, and his enjoyment of the game began to wane.
Assessment
A biomechanical evaluation revealed:
- Overpronation in both feet, leading to poor weight transfer during the golf swing
- Mild leg length discrepancy, contributing to pelvic tilt and lumbar strain
- Insufficient arch support, increasing instability during stance and swing phases
Orthotic Intervention
Jonny was fitted with custom semi-rigid foot orthotics, tailored to:
- Correct overpronation and promote neutral foot alignment
- Improve weight distribution during load-bearing movements
- Stabilize the kinetic chain from the feet to the lower back
- Provide moderate arch support and rearfoot posting to minimize pelvic tilt
Results (After 6 Weeks)
- 80% reduction in reported lower back pain
- Improved balance and consistency in his swing
- Faster post-round recovery
- Reduced tightness and fatigue in hips and lumbar spine
Mark also reported increased confidence during tee-offs and noted that walking the course was less physically taxing.
Conculsion
This case demonstrates how foot biomechanics can influence spinal health, particularly in rotational sports like golf. Through customized orthotics, Mark not only relieved chronic lower back pain but also enhanced his athletic performance and quality of life.
Orthotic support is an underutilized tool in recreational sports—bridging the gap between comfort and performance for amateur athletes.