Massive Arch Pain Problems

[mcmuffins275]

I've been a figure skater for over 18 years,

at age 16 or so, I began experiencing massive arch pain problems when I skated. It would be so bad I'd have to take my skates off in order to make the pain go away and it would feel like my feet were on fire for a minute or so before I could put the skate back on. This would usually happen once or twice per 2-3 hours of skating.

After a long break, I'm back to skating (roller blade and ice), and the pain is of course still here, just worse and more frequent. I'm looking for advice on how to address this pain. My coaches when I was growing up mostly told me to stop being a wimp, or to put my feet on the ice before I skated, neither of which were very helpful. I'm sure that skating more often and building up the muscles that haven't been used in a while would probably help, but given that this problem originated in my youth when I was at my prime, I don't think it's the only cause. So please, do not recommend I just get stronger feet and train harder, I'm looking for actual advice to address what could be causing this extreme pain. My feet are only a little wide, but I do have very small ankles. My feet also severely supinate (rotate outwards). I don't currently have any inserts in my ice skates because I'm still rocking my 10+ year old klingbeils (rip). I tried inserts in my roller blade boots (semi-custom riedells) and it hurt even worse.

 

[Diana Delafield]

I've been a figure skater for over 18 years,

at age 16 or so, I began experiencing massive arch pain problems when I skated. It would be so bad I'd have to take my skates off in order to make the pain go away and it would feel like my feet were on fire for a minute or so before I could put the skate back on. This would usually happen once or twice per 2-3 hours of skating.

After a long break, I'm back to skating (roller blade and ice), and the pain is of course still here, just worse and more frequent. I'm looking for advice on how to address this pain. My coaches when I was growing up mostly told me to stop being a wimp, or to put my feet on the ice before I skated, neither of which were very helpful. I'm sure that skating more often and building up the muscles that haven't been used in a while would probably help, but given that this problem originated in my youth when I was at my prime, I don't think it's the only cause. So please, do not recommend I just get stronger feet and train harder, I'm looking for actual advice to address what could be causing this extreme pain. My feet are only a little wide, but I do have very small ankles. My feet also severely supinate (rotate outwards). I don't currently have any inserts in my ice skates because I'm still rocking my 10+ year old klingbeils (rip). I tried inserts in my roller blade boots (semi-custom riedells) and it hurt even worse.

Presumably if you have custom or semi-custom boots you've been to the best skate shop near where you live (where is that? in case someone here can recommend a better fitter). I'd say the problem was largely that your boots are way too old and should be replaced -- but you say you've had this arch problem for longer than your Klingbeils.

It sounds so far like a problem for a podiatrist. You have seen one, haven't you? Do your feet have very high arches? Were the inserts you tried in your Riedells prescription orthotics for which your podiatrist would fit you? Or are they just stock arch supports from the drugstore or that came with your Riedells? This sounds like a medical problem that seriously needs treatment or eventually it will also affect your walking in street shoes as well.

 

[Ic3Rabbit]

I've been a figure skater for over 18 years,

at age 16 or so, I began experiencing massive arch pain problems when I skated. It would be so bad I'd have to take my skates off in order to make the pain go away and it would feel like my feet were on fire for a minute or so before I could put the skate back on. This would usually happen once or twice per 2-3 hours of skating.

After a long break, I'm back to skating (roller blade and ice), and the pain is of course still here, just worse and more frequent. I'm looking for advice on how to address this pain. My coaches when I was growing up mostly told me to stop being a wimp, or to put my feet on the ice before I skated, neither of which were very helpful. I'm sure that skating more often and building up the muscles that haven't been used in a while would probably help, but given that this problem originated in my youth when I was at my prime, I don't think it's the only cause. So please, do not recommend I just get stronger feet and train harder, I'm looking for actual advice to address what could be causing this extreme pain. My feet are only a little wide, but I do have very small ankles. My feet also severely supinate (rotate outwards). I don't currently have any inserts in my ice skates because I'm still rocking my 10+ year old klingbeils (rip). I tried inserts in my roller blade boots (semi-custom riedells) and it hurt even worse.

Hi and welcome. Two issues here initially. One-you need new boots and need to make sure they would be proper boots for your feet, so if you give us the info we need we can suggest them. Secondly, you need to see a podiatrist and get orthotics for your shoes and your skating boots.

 

[kyraannk]

Hi! Not an expert but have just went through something similar, I got professionally fitted throughout my teens and always had what sounds like the same type of pain as you - finally got a new pair 10 years later and it was so much worse. Unbearable pain. I tried a larger size and a different brand, one that fits the shape of my feet better, and the problem is much better.