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29 Jul Figure Skating Skin Injuries- Revenge of the Boots

Posted at 07:08h in Ankle Injuries, Figure Skating Injuries, Heel and Foot Injuries, Injury Prevention by

As a member of the US Figure Skating Medical Network, been learning how to help skin and skating boots get along to prevent figure skating skin injuries.

Tight-fitting boots rubbing against the skin of ankles and feet can leave marks.

Figure skating skin injuries range from scratches and blisters to frank open wounds and pus pockets.

The most severe figure skating skin injuries can limit jumping and leaping and keep skaters off the ice.

picture of an open wound from figure skate boot rubbing against the ankle causing a figure skating skin injury

Skin wound from figure skate boot

Preventing Figure Skating Skin Injuries:

  • Find a good boot fit with protective padding, especially at pressure points with eyelets or seams
  • Change boots to larger sizes as the foot grows in younger skaters
  • Use gel pads or blister packs to add extra padding at points of high boot and skin contact
  • Tight sleeves with built-in pads can also protect pressure points
  • Avoid/limit cuts when shaving the legs
  • Regularly use good anti-bacterial soaps on the legs- even as often as between skating sessions

Get An Early Jump On Any Open Figure Skating Skin Injuries

With openings or blisters in the skin, do not hesitate to see a sports medicine expert for immediate medical care.

Left untreated, even the smallest scratch can develop into a more serious infection.

What are some treatment options for figure skating skin injuries?

  • Use of antibiotic ointment or creams right on the skin surface
  • Consideration of oral antibiotic medications for deeper or more serious infections
  • Opening of deeper wounds to allow proper drainage
  • Sending drainage or wound material for laboratory analysis
    • Helps determine what is causing the infection and what are best treatments

Read More: All Athletes Must be Aware of “Spider Bites” on the Skin

How about Lumps or Blisters?

Lumps often come up on the inside or outside of the ankle where the skin is right on top of bone.

Boots rubbing against these narrow areas can leave lumps that may or may not be painful.

In cases of a new or growing lump, best to schedule a visit with a sports medicine expert.

While many lumps end up not as a significant problem or needing removal, having a specialist evaluation can give important peace of mind.

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