Possible equipment change (update)

Question
QUESTION: Hey, Pat.  Thanks for considering my question.  I've been roller skating since I was 8 years old (I'm 40 now) and switched over to in-line skates at 21 years.  I love it but have recently started having a lot of soreness in my ankles after I work out; I use good quality fitness skates and skate hard for about an hour at a time.  Would you recommend my using ankle braces and continuing with in-lines OR would using traditional roller skates be better for my ankles?  I've even seen "quadlines", where the skates look like a traditional skate but uses in-line wheels.  I appreciate your input since I want to keep skating but don't want to hurt my ankles either.  Thanks again.

ANSWER: Hi Wendy
  It would seem that if you've been skating on inlines for all these years that your ankles should be conditioned enough to not hurt you.  I think we have to think about a couple things.  

1)  Are the ankle bones sore to the touch or is it more of a muscle/bone soreness?
2)  How old are your skates and are they giving you enough support for a 1 hr hard workout?
3)  Has your weight changed recently?

Sometimes there's no particular reason other than our bodies simply change but we can try to correct what we can or make a change to allow the stress on the ankles to rest for a while.

If the ankle bones just hurt to the touch........add soft pads under your sock in the ankle area.

If you've had your skates for a while and you feel you need more support....try an ankle brace to see if that helps.  You can also tape your ankle for more support too.

If it does help, that may mean you need new skates with more support for hard workouts.

If you've gained weight or perhaps lost weight lately that could effect the fit of your skates. It can also stress the arc which will also effect the ankles.  If so, try an arch support?

Another thought is that sometimes when we've skated for many years it becomes 2nd nature but it also causes us to grow lazy regarding what our feet are actually doing when we skate.

Next time you skate....look at your feet.  Are you straight up on the wheels or are your ankles turned either in or outward?  That alone would cause soreness.  If that's the case....pay special attention to keeping your feet straight up on the wheels.  That should take away the stress on the ankles.

If you've tried all of the above and nothing seems to help, I would suggest going back to quads for a while to allow your ankles to rest.  Going back to quads will also build those muscles back up to hopefully support the ankle again so you can return to inline skating.

Good Luck........I hope one of these suggestions work for you.  If you have any further questions, feel free to write me again.

Pat



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks so much for your detailed answer, Pat.  You are so kind and helpful to help me, especially someone of your credentials.  One more question -- in considering your advice, would hockey skates be a viable option (if needed) to regular fitness in-lines?  I'm under the impression that the boot on them gives more support but wanted to confirm that with you.  I appreciate all your help.  Thanks very much again!  Wendy

ANSWER: Hi Wendy,
  As an educated guess... I would stay away from hockey skates.  Yes, they do have more support but I have a feeling that it may be too much for the type of skating that you enjoy doing.  

  Hockey skates are build for quick, short stepped maneuvering, not distance skating.  That's why they're so stiff.  I would think skating any distance in them would actually hurt your ankles more than they already hurt because they wouldn't have the flexibility that you need for constant pushing during distance skating.

  If you're going to invest in new skates, try on various brands/styles of inlines and go with the one that feels snug in the ankle area and has a lot of support.

  Before you buy another pair of skates, try either taping or wrapping your ankle to see if this takes the stress off of your ankles.  If it does not....then I would consider either resting your ankles for a while or switching to quads for a while.  I would hate to see you buy new skates only to find that this could possibly be a permanent ankle condition.  

  If wrapping the ankles works and you feel better.....then go shopping!  Keep me posted, I'm anxious to hear if the wrapping works.

Pat



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hey, Pat.  I just wanted to thank you so much for all of your help.  I did what you said and decided to then go shopping.  I found a pair of Rollerblade Aero skates; they are a fitness skate but have a higher boot than my Lightning model.  When I skate in them I have no ankle pain!  Yay!  I also found a cute pair of traditional ladies' quad skates to use to warm up in and do some shin strength-training at the same time.  Problem solved and I owe it all to you.  BTW, the MRI on my ankle showed that I have a pocket of scar tissue from an old injury, probably one that I didn't even know I had, per the doctor.  He gave me a cortisone shot along with a brace and home exercises to do (for 6 weeks).  He said it won't be a permanent problem if I do what he says, which I will.  Thanks so much again!  You've been an absolute doll and I appreciate it so much!

Answer
You are very welcome Wendy.  

I am so glad that things worked out so you can continue to skate.  Now you just have to behave and do what the doctor said and you'll be good to go.

If you ever need anything else, I'm right here for ya!

Take care and thank you so much for the update and outcome.  It's nice to hear good news!

Pat