Hockey and Footcare

With the Stanley Cup Finals of the National Hockey League beginning Wednesday, April 15th, many people will be tuned in to hockey's biggest event of the year. But people are not only watching hockey, but playing as well. Hockey's popularity has continued to grow, as evident in the growth of those playing the game in the last decade from 196,000 to 440,000. Hockey is a well liked sport for its speed, skill requirement, and physicality. But hockey can be a dangerous sport. 27% of hockey injuries occur to the lower extremity (ankles and feet). Two of hockey's most noted foot and ankle injuries are ankle sprains and "skate bite", which is an inflammation of the sheath that covers the tendons that cross the anterior ankle and dorsum of the foot. Besides these injuries, blisters and athlete's foot are common problems for hockey players. Remember these tips when it comes to your hockey gear:

-Always lace your skates the entire way up, and tightly. The nature of a thin skate and a slick surface increase your chances of a rolled or sprained ankle. Lacing your skates correctly helps reduce this risk.

-Learn to skate at your own pace. Do not rush your training in skating, it takes time and patience to become a good skater.

-Always give your skates time to dry. Leaving your skates in an equipment bag does not give them the proper time to dry out, and this increases your risk of many fungi, bacteria, and viruses, including those that affect your toenails and those that cause athlete's foot. It is also a good idea to use a foot powder to help dry your skates fully and Lysol to sterilize your skates.

-Do not ignore foot or ankle pain. It is true that it takes time to build the muscles used in skating, and ankle and foot soreness can be part of this, but severe pain, or persisting pain should not be ignored- it is likely a sign of a problem. You should especially make an appointment with your podiatrist in the event of a specific trauma, like an ankle sprain.

For more information on Hockey-related foot and ankle injuries, visit: http://www.podiatrytoday.com/article/666