Figure skaters tend to wear tightly-tied, form-fitting skates for better control on the ice. Thus, after an extended skating session, your feet may feel tingly due to a lack of blood supply to the area or frostbite from the ice. Occasionally, though, tingly feet may be a symptom of a medical condition, such as diabetes or nerve damage. Consult your doctor if the tingly feeling continues after making some adjustments or if you experience additional symptoms.
Choosing Skates
Evaluate how well your skates fit first, since a poor fit is the most likely cause of a tingly feeling. Wear thin socks to avoid blisters and lace up the skates so the boots fit snugly around the ankle but do not bind. Lift your heels up slightly. If your heels slide up, the boots are too big. If, on the other hand, your toes are pinched or you can't straighten out your toes, your skates are too small, which may contribute to a tingly feeling.
When buying new skates, go to a store that specializes in skates and ask a knowledgeable salesperson to measure you. Try on several brands, since skate brands vary in width and fit. Reidell skates fit more narrowly but Reidell makes several good models for recreational or new skaters. Jackson or Harlick skates are wider but offer fewer options for entry-level skaters.
Warmth
Hockey players and figure skaters are usually so active on the ice that their feet stay warm, but if your feet get cold, take some breaks and go warm up. Avoid the temptation to wear bulky socks, though, which can cause blisters. Shorten the length of your skating sessions to see if the tingly feeling goes away.
Consult a Doctor
Consult a doctor if your foot continues to feel tingly after adjusting your skates and environment. The tingly foot may be the result of a bone injury or pinched nerve, especially if you skate competitively and spend long hours on the ice. Continuing to skate on an injured foot can cause serious injury that could permanently keep you off the ice. Tingly or numb feet are sometimes associated with diabetes as well, so it's important to consult a doctor to rule out serious injury or illness.
Considerations
Most skaters have tingly or achy feet when first removing their skates, but the tingly feeling usually subsides within a few minutes. Take your skates off as soon as you exit the ice, and walk around to get the blood circulating.
New skates, especially figure skates for competitive skaters, are very stiff and uncomfortable and may contribute to a tingly feeling. Talk with your coach or the dealer about ways to break in new skates.
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