Ski Boot Ankle Pain

Ski boots protect you but can leave your ankles sore.

Skiing is a tough sport filled with impact on your lower legs. Plowing down a mountain with two sticks attached to your feet is exhilarating but can leave your feet and ankles sore. There are steps you can take, both before and after you hit the slopes, to limit and treat sore ankles.

Causes of Ankle Soreness

As you make your way down the side of a mountain, your ankles are absorbing impact from moguls, jumps and turns. The weight of the snow is resisting movement as well. The hard-shell ski boots prevent your ankles from bending too far to these conditions, but they are still the axis for your movements. Wear and tear from the aforementioned resistances cause your ankles to feel tight or tender.

Wear Proper Ski Boots

Prevention starts with preparation. Make sure your ski boots are sized properly to your feet. It is dangerous to be wearing improperly sized ski boots. The ski shop or ski rental personnel should be able to ensure that you are sized with the proper boot. While you are in there, have them make sure all the straps and clamps are functioning properly on your boot before taking the slopes.

Try a Brace

If your ankles are still sore after skiing, wear an ankle brace. The extra support may be all you need to prevent ankle soreness. Make sure your boot will still fit properly over the brace.

Know Your Limits

Take it easy out there if you find yourself sore in the ankles after a day on the hill. It is important to take care of your body. You should have an idea of how much skiing your body can handle. Take breaks often to open up your boot and move your feet and ankles every now and then.

Stretch

Skiing is a sport like any other in that stretching is important. Ankle soreness can sometimes be avoided by doing some quick and simple ankle stretches. Keep your ankles loose and stretched, and you will feel better afterward.

References

• Thefitmap: Skiing and Snowboarding Injuries