Author Topic: Excruciating Feet  (Read 2694 times)

Chlri

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Excruciating Feet
« on: June 15, 2021, 11:29:40 pm »
Hi fellow skaters. I need help please - I'm desperate!
 
I started skating in 2010 at the age of 18. I skated every moment I could and quickly progressed, but couldn't continue skating lessons after a year due to commitments with my studies and job. I was renting skates from the skating club and can't for the life of me remember what the brand was. I had a little foot pain when I started, but I remember that the pain went away after skating around for about 10 minutes.

In 2013, I bought my first pair of skates. Edea Preludios. I got measured in a skate shop, but found that it was impossible to skate with the foot pain. My whole foot cramped up: from the arch to the heel to the outside of the foot. Every millimeter of my foot cramped up. I tried pushing through the pain by continuing to skate, but the pain never went away (to the point that I would be in tears and had to leave the ice immediately). I stopped skating after 4 months of tearful and painful skating.

Fast forward to January 2020 - I started skating  lessons again. I bought Edea Overtures after being fitted in an expert shop (they said my other skates were too big and narrow which caused the pain). I started skating but the pain was still there - just as bad. I went back to the shop a few times and they made me a custom orthotic, heat moulded my boots and slightly moved my blades - no change. I lost 20lbs - no change. I tried taking Ibuprofen before skating - no change. I paid very close attention to my "skating footprint" - no change.

I don't have foot pain in normal life. When I run or dance, there's no pain. The pain only starts once I'm skating on the ice. Wearing my skates off-ice with guards on isn't painful. The pain stops immediately when the skates are removed.

The only thing that helps on the ice is swinging/shaking my foot around one at a time.

I'm so frustrated and in pain when I skate. It's very difficult to progress because my brain focusses on the pain. I don't know what else to do. Does anyone have any ideas?

Here is my information:

Age: 29
Height: 5ft7
Current weight: 90kg
Level: Skate UK Star - Free Skating
Skates: Edea Overture (heat moulded, custom orthotic, blades slightly moved)

If you got to this point, thank you!!

transmissionoftheflame

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Re: Excruciating Feet
« Reply #1 on: June 16, 2021, 06:39:39 am »
Sorry to hear about your feet.  A couple of things occur to me: 1) Could it be the cold?  I don't know if you could get thermal socks and heat them before skating, and also blow hot air into the boots with a hair dryer?  If you have roller skates or roller blades you could try skating outsdoors and see if it makes a difference - assuming it is currently summer where you live.  2) Skating stresses the muscles in the feet in a way that few other activities do.  Perhaps some specific foot stretching and strengthening exercises, daily for a month or two, to see if it makes a difference.  I think it will have to be a process of elimination.  The other thing you could try is going to a sports physiotherapist or podiatrist to see if they can see or feel anything odd or suggest anything to help, though they may find it tricky.

black

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Re: Excruciating Feet
« Reply #2 on: June 16, 2021, 10:55:18 am »
1x old skating club boots = slight pain to start with
2x brand new skates = severe/debilitating pain (1st pair too big/narrow)

Sounds like the boots might be too stiff?

Arch pain often results from a crushed arch (tight lacing + poor arch support insole).

Do you have high arches, or flat feet? What custom orthotic are you using? Socks?

>Wearing my skates off-ice with guards on isn't painful.

That's interesting; if you pretend to skate off ice does it hurt? (thinking it might have something to do with skate turn-out)

How's your balance; on ice you're constantly correcting (particularly) backwards/forwards(pitch) balance with fine/micro motor control. If these slight corrections do not translate to the boot/blade you will overcompensate more to try to maintain balance; something which wouldn't happen off-ice. Any pain in the shin/calf muscles?

I'd 2nd what transmissionoftheflame mentioned; have you thought about a one-off foot specialist appointment; podiatrist/chiropodist?
« Last Edit: June 16, 2021, 10:57:09 am by black »
The greatest trick figure skaters ever pulled, was convincing the world it was easy.

Chlri

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Re: Excruciating Feet
« Reply #3 on: June 16, 2021, 11:30:03 pm »
Thank you so much for your response! (So sorry if I sent this as a message - I don't quite know how the forum works!)

"Sounds like the boots might be too stiff?"

Interesting. I've often wondered if my foot "spreads" out in the boot (or tries to expand and can't). I don't know what can be done as the boots have been heat moulded.

"Arch pain often results from a crushed arch (tight lacing + poor arch support insole).
Do you have high arches, or flat feet? What custom orthotic are you using? Socks?"

I have tried tightening my laces in different ways. I still haven't found the right way (is there a right way?) I have flatter feet, but still have an arch. I went to Everglides in Gosport and they made me a custom SIDAS orthotic by taking a print of my foot. I don't wear socks, usually just my footed skating tights.

">Wearing my skates off-ice with guards on isn't painful.
That's interesting; if you pretend to skate off ice does it hurt? (thinking it might have something to do with skate turn-out)"


Skate turnout? I haven't heard of that before - would it be something my coach might be able to see? I have a history with slightly turned in feet and overpronation.

"How's your balance; on ice you're constantly correcting (particularly) backwards/forwards(pitch) balance with fine/micro motor control. If these slight corrections do not translate to the boot/blade you will overcompensate more to try to maintain balance; something which wouldn't happen off-ice. Any pain in the shin/calf muscles?"

I don't think my balance is very good, but I don't know if it's a result of the pain in my feet. Trying to stop the pain often means that I'm trying to keep my weight off them.

Also I noticed yesterday that the pain seems to subside when I'm spinning or doing my Waltz jump. It's the step sequences or just skating around that is debilitating.

"I'd 2nd what transmissionoftheflame mentioned; have you thought about a one-off foot specialist appointment; podiatrist/chiropodist?"

I might need to do this - I'm slightly worried that they'll say "yep you're feet are quite flat" but not have any solutions outside of my current insoles (which is sill I know).

Chlri

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Re: Excruciating Feet
« Reply #4 on: June 16, 2021, 11:36:21 pm »
Sorry to hear about your feet.  A couple of things occur to me: 1) Could it be the cold?  I don't know if you could get thermal socks and heat them before skating, and also blow hot air into the boots with a hair dryer?  If you have roller skates or roller blades you could try skating outsdoors and see if it makes a difference - assuming it is currently summer where you live.  2) Skating stresses the muscles in the feet in a way that few other activities do.  Perhaps some specific foot stretching and strengthening exercises, daily for a month or two, to see if it makes a difference.  I think it will have to be a process of elimination.  The other thing you could try is going to a sports physiotherapist or podiatrist to see if they can see or feel anything odd or suggest anything to help, though they may find it tricky.

Thank you for your message! I'm still getting the hang of the forum.

I have off-ice skates and my feet are just as excruciating. I'll definitely try the thermal socks and blowing warm air into the boot.

I will try to get to a podiatrist or chiropodist. I'm just so worried that they'll tell me what I already know (which I know is silly).

Thanks for the idea of the foot exercises! Will definitely find some and give them a try! :)

transmissionoftheflame

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Re: Excruciating Feet
« Reply #5 on: June 17, 2021, 03:06:21 am »
Hmm.  Quite a conundrum.  I've been skating for what seems like forever and not come across anyone yet who wasn't able to resolve this kind of issue somehow so don't give up hope.


It sounds like you really love your skating so I think you owe it to yourself to try and see a specialist in case they are able to help you.


Skate fitting is a tricky business and skating stresses the feet and lots of other muscles involved in balance and body control in a way that is probably unique and quite extreme.  It sounds like you've done all the right things in terms of skate fitting but I've found that's not always enough - sometimes the boots just are not right for you and you need to try different ones.  It can be frustrating and expensive.


You asked about lacing and certainly Edea advocate a particular approach to this.  This is worth a watch: https://ice.edeaskates.com/en/video/lacingedeaboots/


I think it's worth looking at improving your balance, maybe with some off ice exercises.  Anything that improves general fitness should help, maybe ballet, pilates or yoga, some stretching.

Crackers

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Re: Excruciating Feet
« Reply #6 on: June 18, 2021, 12:12:44 am »
Just wanted to add to this excellent advice.
My son didn't get on with Edea Overture boots, for him they did not support his ankles correctly. He switched back to Jackson Mystique boots after about a month and is now in Jackson Elite.
My daughter liked her Edea Overtures and added carbon Superfeet insoles and now skates in Edea Ice Fly (and has kept the same insoles).
Both are now working to BIS test level 3

My point is it might be the brand of boot. All skaters are different and have different needs and different brands suit different skaters.

Edea Overtures are not supposed to be heat mouldable as they are supposed to fit more like a trainer using a memory foam to support you.
The Jackson boots are designed to be fully heat mouldable with a thermo set plastic layer between the outer leather layers.

The other thing about Edea boots is that they have a different foot position to Jackson (and Risport). I am told (by my daughter) that it is more like wearing high heels.

You do have to be careful if switching brand as the Edea boots are shorter foot bed (due to the higher heel position) than the equivalent size Jackson so you might need a different blade length (as my son did).

It might be worth trying a pair of Jackson Mystique (or Debut) if you get the opportunity.

One last thing is that my son has added 1.5mm thick anti-shock insoles under the origin Jackson Poron insole. He says that this really reduces the impact shocks from jumps whilst still being able to "feel" the ice.

I hope that this helps in some way and don't give up as there will be a solution.

black

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Re: Excruciating Feet
« Reply #7 on: June 18, 2021, 01:33:03 pm »
With skates on, (hold onto something) bend each leg in turn; does the centre of each kneecap lineup over the boot where the biggest two toes are? Or does it skew to oneside?

Does your foot (with tights) feel "locked in" when the boot is laced up? No slippage?
I found best results wearing slightly damp socks; yuck I know, but it works good.

Spinning & waltz jump = okay -> weight is at the front (ball) of foot + foot is straight.
Skating + steps = bad -> weight is more centre; foot is turned out.

Sounds like you might need stronger arch supports.

I'd 2nd what Crackers mentioned about brands; when I first got skates I tried on a bunch of different brands which all felt weird, then I tried a pair of GAMs (now Jacksons) and I was like yep, these are the ones.
The greatest trick figure skaters ever pulled, was convincing the world it was easy.

Chlri

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Re: Excruciating Feet
« Reply #8 on: June 22, 2021, 10:11:02 pm »
Hi everyone,

Thank you so much for all your replies! So much to try and consider! :)

Today I went to the rink dreading my lesson. I've not wanted to even think about skating in the week because of the pain, but when I went today I noticed they had some Jackson's for sale. They were a size too big for me and probably too narrow, but I put my insoles in and laced them up as well as I could.

They let me borrow them for the lesson and I tried all sorts of things. Footwork, crossovers etc. I made allowances in my head for the fact that they are unfamiliar skates, too bigs and such. There was some cramping, but nowhere near my usual cramping. Hopefully if I got a different brand for my feet, the pain would go away?

Also, is it possible that me being overweight is a factor?

Thanks everyone!! You have no idea how much I appreciate all your help, advice, ideas...

transmissionoftheflame

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Re: Excruciating Feet
« Reply #9 on: June 23, 2021, 06:07:39 am »
Different brands of skates do have very different fits IMO, over different parts of the feet, so maybe a pair of Jacksons that actually fits you would be ideal.  When you say they were a size too big, how are you judging that?  Is it possible that your current pair are too small?


Weight possibly doesn't help but there are plenty of larger skaters whose feet don't cramp.  Though being a bit lighter would probably help your skating and make jumps easier.

transmissionoftheflame

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Re: Excruciating Feet
« Reply #10 on: June 23, 2021, 08:56:48 am »
Regarding weight loss, it has always seemed to me a somewhat dreary and depressing thing to aim for.  It's also quite hard, and requires patience.  I think it better to focus on things like: eating well - eat nourishing, tasty food, get fitter and stronger and more flexible, ideally doing something fun or relaxing like sport, pilates, yoga, dance, walk in nice places, read interesting books or do something to enliven the mind, learn a language, whatever appeals.  I think if you do some or all of these things, you will be healthier and happier, as long as you don't scoff biscuits.



 

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