Ice Skate Orthotics

Foot orthotics can be a great benefit to skaters –whether figure skaters, hockey or speed skaters. We are the Seattle specialists in skate orthotics and we recommend custom orthotics for skaters who have trouble getting to an outside edge or who suffer with the following conditions:

• Bunions
• Big toe joint pain
• Painful ankle bones or bursitis at the ankle
• Painful or enlarged navicular (the bone on the inside of the foot about mid-arch)
• Arch pain
• Ball of foot pain
• Posterior tibial tendonitis

These are all conditions that are associated with excessive pronation (flat foot). To control this abnormal motion that causes these problems we can make orthotics that fit easily into either stock or custom boots.

Who Should Make Your Skate Orthotics?
You need to work with a podiatrist who is experienced in making orthotics for low-volume boots such as most ice skates and understands the biomechanics of skating. Skate orthotics are very specialized, both in their function and in the fit in the boot. If you are in the Puget Sound area, make an appointment to see Dr. Huppin or Dr. Hale in our Seattle foot clinic. If you are outside of the Seattle area, ask other skaters or coaches who they recommend for orthotics. For the best outcomes, you absolutely need someone with plenty of experience.

Be sure to bring your skates with you for your appointment. Once we take the cast of your foot, the skates must be sent with the casts to the orthotic lab for fabrication of your orthotics. It normally takes about two weeks to get the orthotics back and you will be without your skates for that time. The lab does offer a rush service for an additional cost.

Prefabricated Skate Orthotics
Although not as effective as custom skate orthoics, prefabricated orthotics for ice skates can offer greater stability and pain relief than the insole that comes with the skate. We have evaluated a number of prefabricated orthotics and now recommend the PowerStep ProTech Medical Grade Orthotic. It is the most stable prefabricated arch support that we have found that still fits into skates. If you are not in the Seattle area, or are not yet ready to try a custom orthotic, we recommend trying this PowerStep Arch Support. You may need to trim it a little to fit into your skates.

WEBSITE DISCLAIMER
For website errors ONLY email webmaster at WEBMASTER
All pages on this website © 2005-2010
Douglas Hale, DPM & Lawrence Huppin, DPM
Foot and Ankle Center of Washington, Seattle
The material provided on this web site is for informative purposes only.
If you need specific medical advice, please contact the office for an appointment.