Healthy feet and ankles are important for ice skating. Injuries caused by skates due to an improper fit can lead to blisters or skate bite on the ankles, making skating difficult. Abrasions on the ankles may result from skates rubbing on the ankles, wearing socks that are too short to properly cover the ankle or blisters that pop while skating. Your feet and ankles are important to help you increase and decrease speed while skating and also to help you steer and to serve as shock absorbers.
Skate Bite
Skate bite occurs commonly in skaters who wear new skates or in those who have not worn their skates in a while. Caused by too much pressure against the front of the leg, skate bite may result from the tongue of the skate being too inflexible due to age or lack of breaking it in. When you lace up your skates tightly, the tongue of the skate presses against the front of your leg and ankle, resulting in an abrasion called skate bite, or may cause irritation to the ankle tendons, resulting in tendinitis.
Skate Size
Skate brands vary slightly in their sizing. Some brands tend to run wide, while others run more narrow, so it is important to try on skates before buying a pair to ensure they fit correctly. Your foot should fit comfortably in the foot bed of the skate, and your toes should have room to move freely in the toe box. Avoid buying skates that are too large with the intent you will "grow into them," as this could hamper the way you skate, leading to more ankle abrasions. Skates that are too loose tend to rub against your ankle, causing abrasions.
Blisters
The rubbing of skates against the ankle can cause blisters in addition to abrasions. You should not pick or pop a blister, but if it does break on its own, apply an antiseptic to the raw skin and cover with a sterile bandage. Blisters may form through thick socks or other lightweight padding, so you should pad any areas where you notice your skates rubbing with an adhesive pad or bandage.
Remedies
You can remedy skate bite by decreasing the tightness of your laces. Either place a piece of foam between the top part of the ankle and the tongue of the skate boot or cut a channel in the lining of the tongue of the skate to allow for more movement of the tendon while skating. Taking an anti-inflammatory medication can also help reduce pain and swelling caused by skate bite. Selecting a skate that fits your foot properly will help prevent ankle abrasions. If you notice your skate rubbing against your ankle while skating, pad the area between the skate and your body with a moleskin patch or foam padding. Avoid getting blisters by placing padding or adhesive bandages between the spot on the skate that is causing the chafing and your skin. Rubbing petroleum jelly or an anti-chafe stick on your ankles before putting on your skates can also help prevent ankle abrasions.
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