OT - Any ice skaters? | Arthritis Information

 

Anybody skate?  We put our daughter in skating classes because we're trying to teach her to fall correctly and maybe not stop her fall with her forehead.  Today was a practice skating session and she didn't want to go because she thinks she doesn't like to skate (I think she doesn't like not being the best and watching the other kids zip past and twirl while she's struggling to stay upright).  So, I rented skates to teach her and her two friends how to skate. 

I thought the skates might be too big when I was lacing them up but was lazy and since I had to help lace the kids, just let it slide.  Well, a couple of laps around the rink and my ankles started killing me.  So, I tried to take a break but the kids wouldn't skate without me.  I kept at it for about an hour.  I even had my friend get me a water so I could take a tramadol thinking there's something wrong with my ankles! I am glad you made out A-OK! I kinda cringed when I read you were to go ice skating. Pip, I think that's pretty normal - skating is hard on the muscles and ligaments in your ankles, whether or not you have RA!  You're moving in a completely different way from walking/running, and it takes time to train and build the muscles.  And, I hate to say it, but that gets harder as we get older, even without RA.  Next time, perhaps you could have an experienced skater help you with the lace-up, but personal experience tells me that it's just normal.  My dad used to skate quite a bit in his younger years (hockey, mainly) and he's said that the first few skates of the season always caused some soreness.  And he had his own custom skates! I come from the land of back yard skating rinks and I remember that even as a kid, the first few times on the ice each year would make our ankles sore. It's just what Jasmine said, we're using muscles in a way that are seldom used.
I think it's awesome that you went skating! Woo hoo!
You've inspired me to get out with my girls! I haven't been skating in years, I should have someone video it, it could be a good one to put on YouTube!!

Shine on~
Audrey
yes...ice skates must be tight at the ankles..so if yours were loose the ankles were getting no supportMy husband and kids all play hockey and I asked my husband and he said it will take a while for your ankles to build up strength.  He also said to make sure that your skates fit, don't where thick socks and lace your skates up as tight as you can.Think about how hard your ankles have to work to balance you on a thin blade!  I remember ice skating with a friend who spent the whole time sliding around on her inner ankle bones - she just didn't have enough strength there, and her ankles collapsed, the blades slid off to the sides. When we were kids my girlfriend had such weak ankles she used to put rulers in her skates to keep them straight LOL! I used to love iceskating. I had my daughter take lessons but she did not like it. She quit when the initial lessons I paid for ended. I tried iceskating again when the kids were little and I was no longer good at it. My ankles were now weak and it felt like I was using muscles I forgot I had. It's amazing how things that were a breeze as a kid get so hard. Well now it's another 15 years later...I still like to watch it but I don't think I'd try it.Wow Pip, aren't you the brave one!  OMG, my ankles hurt just thinking about it.  I have finally realized that I am not a kid anymore......darn it! I was a competitive figure skater growing up and dabbled in some coaching after college. A couple of years ago, I decided my old skates were just that, old and I decided to treat myself to some new ones. I ordered a coach's boot (which should be a little softer) and got the lambswool tongue. They were custom made to my feet, and I spent a ridiculous amount of money on them. Well, when I got them, they were the stiffest looking things I have ever seen. When I put them on, my suspicions were confirmed, they were the stiffest skates ever. I've worn them around the house trying to break them in. I last about 20 minutes and that's about all I can take. It has been two year since I ordered them, and I have yet to try them out in an actual rink. Just like what everybody has said, it does take your ankles awhile to get used to how a skate fits. Frankly, I doubt I will ever skate in them because they are just too dang uncomfortable. I have considered selling them, but my feet are enormous and I am not sure there are any casual skaters who would want such an expensive pair of skates, and I doubt there are any competitive skaters whose feet would be large enough for them. So, I may be forced to use them for decoration...

Pip, the next time you go out, don't lace the boot all of the way up. Lace the skates snugly, but leave the last two sets of eyelets untied. This will give you more flexibility. Also, be sure to keep your knees soft while you are skating, this will relieve some pressure on your ankles. Finally, for me, I feel like the RA amplifies even the slightest pain and it definitely has effected my strength. I've been lacing up skates for most of my life, but I swear when I tried to break in my new skates, it felt like I had never done it before. I live with so much pain on a day-to-day basis, I'm not sure I'm up for more of my own creation. I

I hope your daughter takes a liking to the sport. But, be warned, you are in for an expensive ride if she does. LOL - she wants the cute little outfits that the other girls have so she told me last night she liked skating.  I think it's because the kids she went with fell all the time too so it's OK to not be prefect.  Where do they get the idea they have to be perfect anyway?  We're like, 'did you try' and 'ok, good enough'. 
Copyright ArthritisInsight.com