Phil Mickelson reveals he has form of arthritis that made it difficult to walk

Phil Mickelson is being treated for a form of arthritis that at one point left him in so much pain he struggled to walk, the world's No. 2-ranked golfer revealed Tuesday.

But he added that he feels much better going into this week's PGA Championship at Whistling Straits.

Mickelson said he experienced such intense pain in his joints days before the U.S. Open that he had difficultly walking. He wound up finishing fourth in that tournament.

After consulting with specialists, Mickelson has been diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. He has started treatment and taking medication.

“Things have been looking great and long term there shouldn't be any issues,” said Mickelson, who has a chance to take over the world No. 1 ranking for the first time in his career this weekend. “It's very treatable and the medicine I've been taking has been very helpful. I feel 90 percent.”

-- Chuck Schilken

Reuters contributed to this report.

Photo: Phil Mickelson speaks to reporters on Tuesday. Credit: Matt Sullivan / Reuters