Figure skaters rely on their feet to take them through the twists, turns and blade work that make for an elegant sport. All that pressure on the feet can ultimately take its toll, however. Foot pain is a common occurrence and can stem from a number of causes, ranging from overuse to improperly fitting skates. One thing is for certain: Foot pain should not be a part of your regular skating routine. If you experience skating-related pain, there are steps you can take to minimize it.
Fit
Too small or improperly fitting skate boots can cause foot pain. "The most common foot problems I see are young skaters outgrowing their boots," said Dr. Dan Altchuler, a California-based podiatric physician interview for the California Podiatric Medical Association. Too tightly laced boots also can be to blame. Lacing too tightly can lead to foot tingling and "lace bite," in which tendons on the top of the foot become irritated because your boot is laced too tightly. To reduce these occurrences, have your boots checked by a fitting specialist. Even if you don't need a different size, he can recommend a change in lacing methods that can reduce pain.
The Price of Non-Treatment
If you continue to skate with foot pain, more serious symptoms can occur. Inflammation in the ligaments and tendons ultimately can lead to ankle sprain, which can keep you from skating for several weeks to months. Foot pain and loss of sensation in the feet also increases your risk for falls. Because falling can injure your knees, shoulders, hips and/or back, it's important to take preventive steps and treat pain.
Prevention
In addition to correcting any boot fit issues, you also can prevent skating-related foot pain. Stretching the feet before and after a skating session can reduce muscle tension. Increasing the amount of rest time between sessions also can reduce pain related to inflammation and overuse. Emphasis on proper technique is important as well. Schedule a technique checkup with a skating coach to ensure you are not exhibiting behaviors that could be contributing to pain, such as wobbling on your skates.
Treatment
If you do experience some skating-related foot pain, the first step is to rest your feet. They cannot heal from injury without a proper rest period. You should rest your feet until you no longer experience pain when on the ice. Icing and elevating your feet also can help relieve inflammation and pain after a skating session. However, if you experience foot pain accompanied by swelling that seems to be getting worse or you have difficulty putting weight on the foot, see a physician for evaluation and treatment.
