American professional golfer Lefty Mickelson, born Philip Alfred Mickelson on June 16, 1970, competes with LIV Golf. On the PGA Tour, he has won 45 competitions, including six major tournaments, including three Masters victories (in 2004, 2006, and 2010), two PGA Championships (in 2005, and in 2021), and one Open Championship (2013).
Mickelson, who was 50 years, 11 months, and 7 days old when he won the 2021 PGA Championship, held the record for the oldest major championship victor ever. Mickelson is one of just 17 golfers in history to have captured at least three of the four major championships. With the exception of the U.S.
Open, where he has a record-tying six runner-up finishes, he has won every major tournament. Mickelson left his 30-year PGA Tour membership in 2022 to join the Saudi-sponsored LIV Golf tour, making him the only golfer with victories in three (or more) of the four majors.
Golfer Phil Mickelson’s Mystery Pain
Phil Mickelson, a world-class professional golfer, was putting in a lot of effort in the gym to get ready for the 2010 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach. His joints suddenly started to hurt. He appeared to have jammed a finger in one hand and sprained a wrist on the other. Likewise, his right ankle ached.
He attributed the discomfort to years of professional golf training and competition as he had not intentionally hurt himself. He anticipated it passing, and it did. Two days before the competition, Mickelson experienced excruciating discomfort that made it nearly impossible for him to get out of bed one morning. He was now concerned.
He located a rheumatologist thanks to the encouragement and support of his family. This kind of physician focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the bones, muscles, and joints, such as arthritis.
When the rheumatologist performed certain tests, Mickelson participated in the competition. He ultimately finished the 2010 U.S. Open in fourth place, three strokes behind Graeme McDowell.
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Phil Mickelson’s diagnosis
Mickelson discovered he had psoriatic arthritis after the results of the lab testing were revealed (PsA). Arthritis comes in a variety of forms. Some, like osteoarthritis (OA), are brought on by the joints’ “wear and tear” over time.
Rheumatoid arthritis, for example, is an example of an autoimmune illness (RA). Certain conditions, including psoriatic arthritis, may be triggered by a variety of factors. Viruses, the environment, genetics, and the immune system of the body are a few examples of potential causes of psoriatic arthritis.
How are psoriasis and arthritis connected?
Psoriasis
A very common chronic skin condition called psoriasis causes areas of new skin to develop and thicken excessively, usually around the joints. Scales that are silvery-white and may itch or hurt cover the area of the skin. Pitted, crumbling, or nails that have detached from the nail bed are further signs of psoriasis.
Because psoriasis is genetic, it may be handed down through families. It might be light or heavy. Although there is no cure, there is treatment available.
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Psoriatic arthritis
PsA often develops between the ages of 30 and 50 in 1 in 20 people in the United States who have psoriasis. It seldom manifests without obvious skin problem symptoms and might be challenging to diagnose.
All across the body, PsA promotes inflammation and joint discomfort. Dactylitis, a disorder that affects the hands or feet, can cause the fingers and toes to resemble sausages.
Psoriasis and PsA have unknown causes, according to doctors. They do, however, believe that among those who have a genetic predisposition, the problems may be linked to the immune system and how it interacts with the environment.
Mickelson tries a biologic
Many drugs are used to treat psoriatic arthritis, like Phil Mickelson’s. First-line treatments frequently include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) and disease-modifying antirheumatic medicines (DMARDs).
Mickelson’s rheumatologist promptly started him on one of the relatively new biologic response-modifying medications due to the severity of his psoriatic arthritis. It was the TNF (tumor necrosis factor) inhibitor etanercept (Enbrel).
Some medications typically take time to start working. Certain things are effective in some persons but not others. Enbrel did the trick in Mickelson’s situation, controlling his arthritis and lessening his discomfort and handicap.
Mickelson gets back on the course
Mickelson’s psoriatic arthritis was discovered and treated early, and he has been playing professional golf again for a while now. Also, he has a sizable, built-in audience due to his notoriety. Mickelson has taken a strong stand in favor of spreading knowledge about psoriatic arthritis and other forms of arthritis.
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It Is a Continuous Process.
Both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are chronic conditions that Phil Mickelson will endure for the rest of his life. PsA can flare up from time to time, but it can also go for long stretches without causing any discomfort or impairment. Even a full remission is possible.
Phil Mickelson should be playing golf — and winning tournaments — for a very long time to come with the aid of potent anti-arthritis drugs like methotrexate and biologics like etanercept, a good diet, and lots of exercises.