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Why skateboarding hurts your feet – some things you need to know
Skateboarding is rough on the feet, so take precautions to safeguard your children’s feet, or your own if you’re an adult skater. Foot sprains, ankle sprains, and stress fractures are just a few of reasons why skateboarding hurts your feet, and more serious, skateboarding foot injuries. While everyone gets bruises and minor cuts from skating, these additional injuries can have long-term consequences, making them far more serious.
Why skateboarding hurts your feet
You want to skateboard indefinitely, right? Take care of your feet first, as most people overlook this. I never soaked them, rolled them out, or just took a break from the maltreatment for extended periods of time. Simple actions like this are essential for avoiding bruising or injuring a muscle.
The inside of your foot has the primary ‘arch,’ another parallel on the outside edge of your foot, and one running across the metatarsal heads (called “balls of your feet”).
Because modern skateboarding shoes do not allow feet to keep strength and tone, they can be impaired. As you can see, skate shoes give support while also acting as a shield against the weather.
Skateboarding is a popular pastime among children and young people. They practice their “riding the rail” and “catching air” talents. However, the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) warns that, while entertaining, such acts can be physically demanding and result in catastrophic foot and ankle injuries.
Foot and ankle specialists around the country are warning that significant lower-extremity skateboard injuries are still being seen among their patients. Minor bruising, open wounds, or cuts, as well as more significant foot and ankle sprains and fractures, may necessitate surgical correction.
Here are 4 Common skateboard foot injuries (and their treatments):
- Plantar fasciitis – Plantar fasciitis is caused by repetitive stress on the sole of the feet, reaching from the heel to the toes. It causes heel and arch pain and is common among skateboarders due to severe toe gripping motion during skating and insufficient calf strength or flexibility.
- Tendonitis and sprains – Tendonitis and sprains in the feet, ankles, and knees are frequent as a result of skateboarding’s misuse and strain on the feet. Localized discomfort, edema, and stiffness are common. Sprains happen suddenly, whereas tendinitis usually develops over time.
- Neuroma – A neuroma is a compressed nerve in the foot. When the nerve gets inflamed, it causes pain, tingling, or numbness between the second, third, and fourth toes. Overpronation, misuse, or poor technique are common causes.
Foot, ankle, or lower leg fractures – While most fractures restrict you from continuing your activity or walking, others may be small enough or located in regions that allow you to continue. Fractures frequently cause pain, bruising, and swelling that does not diminish fast.
Prevention of Skateboarding Foot Injuries
- You’ve been hearing that since you were a child. In most sports, wearing protective equipment is crucial to preventing injury. Wear a helmet as well as knee, elbow, and wrist protectors at all times. To protect your ankles and feet, follow these guidelines:
- Shoes – Shoes should have flat soles that grip the skateboard deck and be slip-ons or have laces that leave little excess lacing hanging over the top of the shoe. Skateboarding shoes generally lack arch support, so consider using bespoke or over-the-counter orthotics. Shoes should have enough room for the toes so they don’t press into the front of the shoe while also preventing heel slippage.
- Flexibility and strength – Calf stretching before and after each skateboarding practice, as well as frequent core strength workouts, will help prevent some injuries.
- Location – Make certain that the area where you skateboard is free of debris, pebbles, fractures, and other irregularities. Avoid skating on damp surfaces and do not skate in the rain. Skate at properly planned skate parks rather than improvised ramps, and above all, never skateboard while attached to a moving vehicle.
- Skateboard and technique – Inspect your skateboard on a regular basis for cracks, tears in the grip, loose wheels, and other faults. Consider a shorter deck for improved handling and balance if you are new to skating. Learn to tumble safely and practice basic abilities before attempting more difficult routines. If you start to lose your balance, crouch down and practice new or complex tricks in a controlled environment, such as a professionally managed skate park or with an instructor.
FAQs:
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Are There Long Term Effects Of Wearing Skate Shoes?
When it comes to padding and arch support, skate shoes aren’t the finest. Skate shoes have shown to be uncomfortable in everyday use. Skate shoes aren’t suitable for spending 8 hours a day on my feet going around at work. Furthermore, sweat causes further wear on the insoles, and the padding disappears.
A skate shoe is intended for stair jumping, gap jumping, and general skating. As a result, additional heel support reduces the likelihood of heel bruising. Others, on the other hand, are prone to foot soreness, which makes skating MUCH more difficult. Daily actions such as walking can be difficult, and this is when you must use caution.
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Is it possible to skate in regular shoes?
Certainly not! I apologize for yelling at you. Anyone interested in skateboarding should wear appropriate footwear. My first skateboard ride was in sandals, and yes, my feet were bleeding. Whatever you do, skate shoes are a night and day difference for a newbie.
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What Effect Do Skate Shoes Have?
Wearing skate shoes all day, every day was one of the worst blunders. In this situation, wearing skate shoes is a no-no. That’s a different story for skating, as they provide comfort in a different way. You may disagree, but this is only a matter of personal preference. Canvas or suede is widely used in the construction of cupsole or vulcanized skate shoes. Both have advantages that balance each other out.
Final thoughts:
Whether you’re a skateboarder or just a fan of skate shoes, make sure you get the appropriate ones. Skateboarding may be extremely taxing on the feet, so choosing the appropriate shoes is critical. Even if you only skate bowls, vert, or short ramps, make sure to update your shoes on a regular basis. That’s all there is to why skateboarding hurts your feet and how to avoid it by wearing the appropriate shoes.
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