All About Ice Skating

Ice skating is an excellent way to enjoy the winter weather and get some exercise.  It can be fun for the whole family or a nice night out for Mom and Dad.  This winter sport has been around for a long time, since around 3000 BC!  When it first was invented, ice skating was used as a mode of transportation.  Eventually, ice skating evolved into a fun winter pass-time.  The first ice skates were made out of animal bone and tied to the feet.  Now, ice skates are specially constructed for different types of skating, like hockey and figure-skating.

Hockey skates are made to move, turn, and stop quickly on the ice.  The skate has a curved shape and a hollow blade.  This helps the skater with speed and agility.  The blades on hockey skates also have different features, the hollow and the rocker.  A process called hollow-grinding carves out the center of the steel blade.  A deeper hollow provides the skater with a better grip, but may slow the skater down.  The blades of hockey skates also have a curve to them.  This curve aids the skater in placing his or her weight over a small portion of the blade. Different types of hockey skates include skates for forwards, defensemen, and goalies. 

Figure skates are built differently than hockey skates because they are intended for different types of movement.  A figure skate has a toe pick, curved blade, long blade, and leather boots.  These features help the figure skater to execute jumps, turns, and deep knee bends.  Hockey skates are designed with speed in mind.  There are also different types of figure skates.  For example, there are different styles of skates for freestyle, synchronized skating, or ice dancing.

Figure skaters need to be especially careful with their feet when they are told to point.  Most skaters who are told to point their toes will scrunch up their toes, causing the calf muscle to shorten and the femur towards it.  If the skater points their foot by extending the ankle, it is much easier on the calf muscle and the knee will straighten with more ease. The picture to left demonstrates the difference between pointing the toes and pointing the foot.  Figure skaters should aim for the image on the left of of the photo.

For those who have never been ice skating, a figure skate is a good option.  The blade allows you to distribute your weight evenly.  First time figure skater should be careful of the toe pick and make sure to not use it improperly.  Hockey skates may be appropriate if you are familiar with inline skating. Be sure to wear protective socks to avoid blisters.  Skaters should also make sure the skates fit properly before getting on the ice. Most importantly, first time skaters should have fun!
Ice skating can really be a blast but quickly loses its appeal if your feet begin to hurt.  Ice skating and ice skates are associated with several common foot ailments including calluses, blisters, and ankle problems. Because of the risks ice sports pose, it is important for skaters to purchase the proper shoe for the activity they will be doing. It is also important to be fit by a trained professional whenever buying a new pair of skates. A proper fit is very important.

Try these tips for Dick's Sporting Goods website when buygin your next pair of skates.

- Make sure you measure both feet when you are determining what size of skate to buy.  One of your feet may be a different size.

- When you measure the width of your feet, make sure you are sitting down.

- Bring the type of socks you will be wearing with your skates.  They will affect the fit of the boot.

- Every brand fits a little bit differently.  Make sure you take this into consideration before you make your purchase.

- Lace the boots firmly with most of the pressure at the top four eyelets.  A secure fit is very important.

This first thing skaters should do to protect their feet and ankles is evaluate the fit of their skates.  Boots that are too soft or too stiff can cause several problems and slow down your axels and slap shots. Boots that are too stiff can cause Achilles injury or tendonitis.  Tendonitis is inflammation or irritation of a tendon. It will cause pain and tenderness outside your joint.  Other symptoms include pain, tenderness, and mild swelling. You should see your podiatrist if you notice these symptoms for several days and they begin to interfere with your ice skating.

Boots that are too loose can cause Haglund's deformity.  Haglund's deformity is a bony enlargement on the back of the heel.  The rigid back of your ice skates creates irritation of the soft tissue near the Achilles tendon.  You may be especially prone to Haglund's deformity if you a high-arch, a tight achilles tendon, or the tendency to walk on the outside of your heel. If you notice a bump on the back of your heel, pain where your Achilles tendon attaches to your heel, swelling or redness near the inflamed tissue you may have Haglund's deformity.  If you think you may have Haglund's deformity call your podiatrist and set up an appointment. Treatment may include medication, ice, exercises, heel lifts, heel pads, shoe modification or orthotics, physical therapy, or immobilization.  To avoid developing Haglund's deformity make sure your boots aren't too tight, you can use arch supports or orthotics, and make sure your Achilles tendon does  not become too tight.

Ice skates can also cause several irritations on your feet like calluses and blisters.  Having properly fitted boots will help prevent these discomforts. Blisters are another annoyance that may be caused by your ice skates.  A blister is a fluid filled bump that look like bubbles on the skin.  They are caused by friction from your ice skates rubbing against your skin.  If you develop a blister take measures to avoid it from getting infected and go to the doctor if you notice any signs of infection, like pus. A great way to prevent blisters is by wearing moisture wicking socks.  You can also purchase specially designed pads to place in your boots that will prevent blisters from occuring.

Another common ailment associated with ice skating are calluses.  Corns and calluses develop when your skin is trying to protect itself from friction and pressure.  As an ice skate, you may develop corns and calluses from the friction your boots create.  A callus is characterized by thick rough skin, a hardened or raised bump, tenderness or pain under your skin, flaky dry, or waxy skin.  You don't need to seek treatment for your calluses unless they are causing you discomfort or if you are diabetic or have poor circulation.  If your calluses are causing you pain, set up an appointment with your podiatrist and he or she will treat it for you. You can also try products from our online store like Dr. Jill's callus pads.  These pads help cushion and protect calluses and painful areas on the bottom of your feet.

Remember, foot pain is not normal.  If you are experiencing any of these problems or any problems with your feet and ankles, don't hesitate to call our office (419-423-1888) and make an appointment. You can also visit our website to request an appointment with Dr. Vail.