Author Topic: Bunions... (Sorry everybody)  (Read 908 times)

Snufkin

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Bunions... (Sorry everybody)
« on: April 13, 2018, 11:20:50 am »
I'm a bit embarrassed about this unglamorous geriatric-sounding condition but since starting skating I have developed bunions on my little toe joints, and they are getting worse at a noticeable rate. I went to the GP who told me to cut down on ice time and to only do short sessions. Given that it's generally not too bad when walking and the only reason I went to her was to try and help with pain when ice skating, this isn't really the answer I was hoping for and I can't believe it's necessary at this point. So, I thought ice skaters would be a better audience to ask. Is anyone familiar with this problem and is there anything I can do about it aside from just not skating? Is buying wider skates a good idea? I have heard of 'punching out' skates but I don't really know if this is appropriate in this circumstance and can any old skate shop do it or would I need to go to a specialist?
Started skating August 2017

WednesdayMarch

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Re: Bunions... (Sorry everybody)
« Reply #1 on: April 13, 2018, 01:24:40 pm »
First port of call would really be to see a chiropodist or podiatrist.  Take your skates with you.  Explain the problem.  You may find that some form of orthotic helps a lot.  GPs are a bit general, really, to be of much help with this sort of thing and they tend to take the, "Well, stop doing what makes it worse, and everything is sorted," approach, which really isn't what you want!

It may be that orthotics sort the problem, it may be that you need your skates punched out or even different boots.  The foot specialist will be the person to best advise.

Good luck!
Returned to the ice in Sept 2017 after a major leg injury in 1999. Skating in Jackson Elite Pro & MK Vision Syncro. Still scary after all these years.

Snufkin

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Re: Bunions... (Sorry everybody)
« Reply #2 on: April 16, 2018, 01:05:30 pm »
Thank you, I think I'm going to do that. I do respect the advice of a GP but I don't know if she realises how inactive I was before I started skating! I'm sure in terms of preventative medicine the exercise is more worthwhile than the effect it would have on my feet to stop.
Started skating August 2017

WednesdayMarch

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Re: Bunions... (Sorry everybody)
« Reply #3 on: April 16, 2018, 04:17:57 pm »
Thank you, I think I'm going to do that. I do respect the advice of a GP but I don't know if she realises how inactive I was before I started skating! I'm sure in terms of preventative medicine the exercise is more worthwhile than the effect it would have on my feet to stop.

Ha!  I so know where you're coming from there!  Exercise is pretty much anathema to me.  "Couch to 5K?  You knock yourself out, love; I'll be fine right here with my gin."  I do walk the dog but I wouldn't walk without him (or other company) and the thought of going to the gym or running anywhere...  No.  Just no.  Not happening.  Skating?  Absolutely.  All for it.  Skating, dancing and...  No, that's it.  Skating and dancing.  Preferably skating.   ;D

Hope you get some help from a foot specialist.  I've had amazing help from chiropodists in the past, back from my poor feet were still subjected to pointe shoes and all the horrid things that they cause and for problems caused or exacerbated by skating.   And if they tell you that wider boots are probably the best way to go, I can highly recommend Graf in the L fitting.  Now that I'm (mostly) used to the low cut of my Graf Dance, the wide fitting is utter bliss on my toes!
Returned to the ice in Sept 2017 after a major leg injury in 1999. Skating in Jackson Elite Pro & MK Vision Syncro. Still scary after all these years.



 

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