Why do my feet always hurt and get numb when I wear ice skates, rollerblades, ski boots, etc.?

Question

I just returned from a day of skiing. The entire day my feet were killing me (even after I tried on 4 or 5 pairs of boots until I got some that seemed to fit). Then I started really thinking... Since childhood anytime I've ever worn skates (ice or rollerblades) or ski boots my feet have always been in pain or numb. With ice skates and roller blades I've even tried having the boots baked and molded to my foot. Is it a foot width or height problem? Circulation? I'm now 27, what's my deal?

Answer 1

It really could be a circulation problem. You can't discount that...but to be sure, you would want to see a doctor.

However, it is more than likely a sock problem. Wear only one sock, and make sure it is a thin sock. Dress socks are fine, athletic socks are better for their sweat wicking properties.

I even know people that don't ski with socks at all!

Here's another thought: how often do you put these contraptions on your feet? If you rarely ski, it would be expected that when you do put them on, they will hurt. This isn't uncommon. Sometimes your body has to adjust, and over a period of days, you may not notice any pain.

Answer 2

i used to ice skate as a kid and teenager and used to have the same problem with roller and ice skates, everyone tells you to wear good thick socks when you ice skate, i found that when i wore socks that were too think my feet use to burn and feel like they were on fire and i use to get this pain down the outsides of my feet and sometimes numbness. i started wearing thinner socks so my feet could move more freely in the skate i  the problem disappeared . the biggest problem was the type of skate for me my first hockey ice skates were bauer ones the cheaper ones with the big thick sock already inside , same as roller skates , i found these skates were just not suitable for me  i bought a pair of graf hockey skates without a sock inside and have never had a problem since , i have gone through about 4 pairs of these in my lifetime and no probs to date . i still ice skate now however only when on holidays some where cold as i live on small island in sun we have no ice rink and if hiring skates always pick a pair without the sock already in and i wear thinner socks ..

hope this helps you with your problem

Answer 3

As a ski instructor, whenever a student tells me that their feet hurt I check to see what they have shoved into the top of their boots. Often kids have their jeans or sweatpants jammed into the top of the boot and this will cause all sorts of foot pain because of pinched nerves and interrupted circulation.

Also, what Dolly said about thick vs. thin socks is true for me, too.  Thin is better and ultimately warmer.

Make sure there is nothing inside your boot except your foot and one thin, smooth sock.  No seams, no wrinkles, no sweatpants, no blue jeans, nothing but sock.  Everything else on your legs should pull down over the OUTSIDE of your boot.

Also, if the pain is in your toes, make sure your toe nails, especially the one on your big toe, is nice and short.

Answer 4

visit a chiropractor, masseuse, and hot tub.  loosen up your muscles by stretching before and after skiing.  do yoga and swimming year round and talk to a ski shop about the boots.

Answer 5

i think everybody or most ppl get this. because they need to be tight

Answer 6

you are meant to take off your normal shoes first

Answer 7

My guess is that poor circulation is the cause. You can get tested for that, but I don't know how it's treated.