Risport causing growth on the "ankle" bone?

[snowberry]

So, I have been using a pair of (used) Risport Electras for about 7 months now. I had a few issues aside from breaking in previously used boots, which included downward pressure on my toes, and something I thought was lace bite. Maybe back in January, I might have noticed some discoloration on my medial malleolus ("inside ankle"), but it didn't alarm me. In March, I brought some SuperFeet, which relieved the pressure in my toes. From lurking on here, I guessed I didn't have adequate arch support. Things were fine, overall. I had to get some cushioning in the back where the Achilles sits, but I was aware of that being an issue, especially with the Electra model. A minor, on-and-off issue was the "lace bite," where pain occurred at the point where the boot and tongue met, resulting in punching out on the hooks of the boot. I just got new bunga pads since my old ones were pretty worn down.

However, a month ago, I was stretching and noticed a bump on my medial malleolus (on both legs, but more pronounced on my spinning leg). You can see where the bone is, then a smaller bump on top of it, making my inside ankles look double the size. I'm having a hard time telling if it's a cyst or something like calcium deposits. They are harder feeling. I've only heard from one other person that Risport also made them grow "extra ankles". I'm planning on visiting a skate tech soon to get fitted for a proper boot (hopefully), and accepting that Risport might not be the right boots for me.

This is just a long-winded way to ask if anyone else had something similar happen? What were the causes? What is in the construction of the boot that might be causing the ankle lumps, and its incompatibility with a specific foot type (more my own curiosity)? Also, is there anything I should look for during the fitting or be aware of?

Additional information: I'm not sure if it's helpful, but I do have a higher/voluminous instep. I was first fitted for Jackson freestyle by a local tech, but they were too wide in the heel and ankle and broke down in 6/7 months, which is why I was suggested to try out Risports. I was only sized for Risports and not fitted (which might have been part of the issue, lol).

 

[Diana Delafield]

So, I have been using a pair of (used) Risport Electras for about 7 months now. I had a few issues aside from breaking in previously used boots, which included downward pressure on my toes, and something I thought was lace bite. Maybe back in January, I might have noticed some discoloration on my medial malleolus ("inside ankle"), but it didn't alarm me. In March, I brought some SuperFeet, which relieved the pressure in my toes. From lurking on here, I guessed I didn't have adequate arch support. Things were fine, overall. I had to get some cushioning in the back where the Achilles sits, but I was aware of that being an issue, especially with the Electra model. A minor, on-and-off issue was the "lace bite," where pain occurred at the point where the boot and tongue met, resulting in punching out on the hooks of the boot. I just got new bunga pads since my old ones were pretty worn down.

However, a month ago, I was stretching and noticed a bump on my medial malleolus (on both legs, but more pronounced on my spinning leg). You can see where the bone is, then a smaller bump on top of it, making my inside ankles look double the size. I'm having a hard time telling if it's a cyst or something like calcium deposits. They are harder feeling. I've only heard from one other person that Risport also made them grow "extra ankles". I'm planning on visiting a skate tech soon to get fitted for a proper boot (hopefully), and accepting that Risport might not be the right boots for me.

This is just a long-winded way to ask if anyone else had something similar happen? What were the causes? What is in the construction of the boot that might be causing the ankle lumps, and its incompatibility with a specific foot type (more my own curiosity)? Also, is there anything I should look for during the fitting or be aware of?

Additional information: I'm not sure if it's helpful, but I do have a higher/voluminous instep. I was first fitted for Jackson freestyle by a local tech, but they were too wide in the heel and ankle and broke down in 6/7 months, which is why I was suggested to try out Risports. I was only sized for Risports and not fitted (which might have been part of the issue, lol).

You need to be consulting a podiatrist or orthopedist about your ankles, before seeing a fitter for new boots (which are obviously needed, and who may steer you away from Risports). Where do you live, so we can recommend the best fitter nearby?

But get your ankle seen to as a medical problem first before you try fitting new boots over misshapen ankle bones. Getting rid of that physical problem may then change the brand of boots that best fit your foot when the fitter includes the ankle area in their measurements. Good luck!

 

[Ic3Rabbit]

I agree with @Diana Delafield that you first need to see a Podiatrist/Orthopaedist to figure out what is going on with your feet/ankles. Then get fitted by a proper fitter. Also, wearing used boots is usually a bad idea.

We could help guide you a bit with the skate part but need a bit of info. Height/weight, arches: very high/high/normal/low/flat, foot type,
and where in the world are you from?

 

[snowberry]

You need to be consulting a podiatrist or orthopedist about your ankles, before seeing a fitter for new boots (which are obviously needed, and who may steer you away from Risports). Where do you live, so we can recommend the best fitter nearby?

But get your ankle seen to as a medical problem first before you try fitting new boots over misshapen ankle bones. Getting rid of that physical problem may then change the brand of boots that best fit your foot when the fitter includes the ankle area in their measurements. Good luck!

I just scheduled an appointment with a podiatrist. After some thought, it'll be good to know what's going on, regardless of whether they can help non-invasively.

I live in the greater Philadelphia area (NJ).

 

[snowberry]

I agree with @Diana Delafield that you first need to see a Podiatrist/Orthopaedist to figure out what is going on with your feet/ankles. Then get fitted by a proper fitter. Also, wearing used boots is usually a bad idea.

We could help guide you a bit with the skate part but need a bit of info. Height/weight, arches: very high/high/normal/low/flat, foot type,
and where in the world are you from?

I scheduled a podiatrist appointment to hopefully gain some more insight. I went to one ten years ago, and remember being informed that I have narrow heels or jokingly duck feet. I've a Haglund's deformity in both heels caused by running shoes and injury prior to skating. I think I didn't expect to be wearing the used skates for so long. At the time, my thought process was to try them out and get properly fitted, which I think I learned my lesson, lol.

I'm about 5'6/150lbs. I believe I have normal arches; there's minor flattening when I squat, but the arch is still visible. Greek toes, with a wide forefoot. And I live in the greater Philadelphia area (in NJ).

 

[Ic3Rabbit]

I scheduled a podiatrist appointment to hopefully gain some more insight. I went to one ten years ago, and remember being informed that I have narrow heels or jokingly duck feet. I've a Haglund's deformity in both heels caused by running shoes and injury prior to skating. I think I didn't expect to be wearing the used skates for so long. At the time, my thought process was to try them out and get properly fitted, which I think I learned my lesson, lol.

I'm about 5'6/150lbs. I believe I have normal arches; there's minor flattening when I squat, but the arch is still visible. Greek toes, with a wide forefoot. And I live in the greater Philadelphia area (in NJ).

First things first: With your stats you should definitely not be wearing a Risport Electra, and definitely not a used one. Those brand new are not enough to properly support you (they aren't stiff enough) for your needs. Adding in other things such as your foot issues, Greek type foot I'd suggest that you try a Risport RF3. Otherwise, the only other choice would be to try a semi-custom Jackson boot which would help with your wide forefoot and narrow heels. Look at the Jackson Synergy Spark.

You'll need blades to go w/them since they are boot only. Traditional style MK Pro or JW Coronation Ace would be fine.

I'll inbox you to talk about proper fitters in your area.

 

[IceM]

If you added a superfeet that lifted your heel, the ankle bones might have less space if they don't fit the pockets or punch outs anymore.

Also, depending on the construction, old school style boots with little to no padding are never that great if the fit isn't really good.

Although, you should feel a lot of pain in the bones to explain the growth, but you can definitely get those problems if there's not enough space and you keep hitting the bone repeatedly against the hard wall of the boot.

So make sure you get those new boots checked and punched out properly if needed.

 

[snowberry]

If you added a superfeet that lifted your heel, the ankle bones might have less space if they don't fit the pockets or punch outs anymore.

Also, depending on the construction, old school style boots with little to no padding are never that great if the fit isn't really good.

Although, you should feel a lot of pain in the bones to explain the growth, but you can definitely get those problems if there's not enough space and you keep hitting the bone repeatedly against the hard wall of the boot.

So make sure you get those new boots checked and punched out properly if needed.

This is what was confirmed to have happened, and the model of the Electras I have did have thinner padding that wears quickly.

 

[snowberry]

Podrist update:

• No extra growth shown in the X-rays! Where my ankle (medial malleolus) rubbed caused bruising and inflammation, making it look much more prominent. He also mentioned tendonitis from the irritation.
• High arches (Officially, and which explains a lot of minor issues, lol)

The yellow Superfeet helped with overall comfort; I could finally relax my arch. My haglunds weren't as irritated, and there was no painful (gripping) pressure on my toes. But, Dr. did agree that the room that the orthotics filled in the skate caused my foot to sit higher, and my inner ankle was right against the first hook and eyelet (where the boot creases).

Which is a "no duh", honestly. I think I was just trying to power through, since, despite losing padding and ankle stability. They do not look "broken down" on the outside enough. So the prominent-looking inflammation was a wake-up call. Hopefully, this will help give a push in the right direction for better skates (and needed modifications).

I'm still waiting for my fitting appointment, but it's coming up soon. I just thought I should update about the "growth" (which fortunately isn't there!).

 

[Ic3Rabbit]

Podrist update:

• No extra growth shown in the X-rays! Where my ankle (medial malleolus) rubbed caused bruising and inflammation, making it look much more prominent. He also mentioned tendonitis from the irritation.
• High arches (Officially, and which explains a lot of minor issues, lol)

The yellow Superfeet helped with overall comfort; I could finally relax my arch. My haglunds weren't as irritated, and there was no painful (gripping) pressure on my toes. But, Dr. did agree that the room that the orthotics filled in the skate caused my foot to sit higher, and my inner ankle was right against the first hook and eyelet (where the boot creases).

Which is a "no duh", honestly. I think I was just trying to power through, since, despite losing padding and ankle stability. They do not look "broken down" on the outside enough. So the prominent-looking inflammation was a wake-up call. Hopefully, this will help give a push in the right direction for better skates (and needed modifications).

I'm still waiting for my fitting appointment, but it's coming up soon. I just thought I should update about the "growth" (which fortunately isn't there!).

With those high arches, Risport higher stiffness boot would still be the way to go but no superfeet in them.