Finding a Great Pair of Ice Skates

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Whether you are hitting the ice for leisure, exercise or competition, a great pair of skates that fit you well is important. Having the right skates will make it easier to learn, keep you more stable and lessen the chance of injury.

Dr. Tina Boucher, foot specialist in Meriden, CT treats athletes and sports enthusiasts on a regular basis. Your feet play the most important role in any activity you do and keeping them safe and healthy will keep you staying active.

Here are a few tips to follow when trying to find the right pair of ice skates:

• First of all, visit a reputable store with employees who know how to fit ice skates. They can help you find a pair appropriate to your level and answer any questions you may have.

• Look for skates made of good quality leather, as they will provide the most support. A more expensive pair will also provide a higher quality of boot and blade.

• If you are just going to skate, stay away from hockey or speed skates unless you plan on learning those sports.

• Avoid wearing bulky, thick socks as it can affect finding the proper fit.

• Keep in mind that skates often run a half-size smaller than shoes. Skates should fit snugly but you should be able to wiggle your toes.

• Lace them up in the store properly to get a true feel for how they fit. When you flex your foot forward, you should be able to fit two fingers into the back of the boot.

If you are dreaming of gliding and spinning on the ice but are sidelined with foot pain, let us help you. Make an appointment with Dr. Boucher today for expert advice, diagnosis and treatment. You can call our podiatric office at (203) 238-3668 or find more information at www.centralctfootcare.com.

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Why Everyone Should Try Ice Skating

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Ice skating is an excellent source of exercise and is fun! It may take a bit of practice but it provides some real health benefits and is an activity for all ages. In the 1600s, the Dutch used ice skating as a means of transportation to get from village to village. Now that would be a way to get around!

What are some benefits of ice skating?

• It is a low-impact form of exercise and easier on your joints than running

• It can help improve your balance

• It is a great cardiovascular workout and helps build endurance

• It is a great calorie burning exercise – A 150 lb person could burn up to 600 calories in an hour!

• It helps build muscles in your arms, abdomen, legs, glutes and lower back

Are avoiding trying ice skating for fear of falling on the ice? That is a valid concern which is why, if you are a beginner, you should take the time for a few lessons. A coach will be able to instruct you on the proper way to fall and how to get back up. You will also be taught the proper way to glide and how to stop efficiently so falling will be less of a concern.

Something else to remember is that skates often come a bit smaller than your regular shoes. Take the time to find a pair that fit your foot right and have an employee tie the laces properly so that your feet and ankles are supported properly.

If you would like to try ice skating but are concerned about your foot health, make an appointment with foot specialist, Dr. Tina Boucher. She can evaluate your feet, diagnose any current problems or identify areas of concern. Call our podiatric office in Meriden, CT at (203) 238-3668 or visit www.centralctfootcare.com.

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Kickboxing and Feet Injuries

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Martial arts have grown in popularity over the years with people all ages as a great way to maintain fitness. Kickboxing is one style of martial that takes a great deal of training, strength, flexibility and balance. While these qualities are good things to develop, injuries do happen due to the nature of the activity and the movements involved.

What injuries can happen in kickboxing?

Feet and ankles suffer about 10% of the injuries that typically occur in martial arts. There is a lot of punching and kicking involved in kickboxing and when moves are done with the wrong technique or poor training, injury can result. Common kickboxing injuries include:

Plantar Fasciitis. This can develop due to the constant pivoting and elevation of the foot that happens when doing kicks. The supporting foot on the ground is often up on the ball of the foot, which can strain the plantar fascia over time.

Achilles tendonitis. In a single training session, a kick boxer can perform up to 500 kicks. The Achilles tendon is essential when performing kicks and can sustain overuse, resulting in tendonitis.

Sesamoiditis. The sesamoid bones are two little pea-sized bones in the ball of your foot. Due to your feet often being elevated during kicking, these bones can become irritated and inflamed.

Hematoma. With feet and legs striking targets or opponents, this is a very common injury in kickboxing. It is when bleeding develops inside your foot or leg.

For many of these injuries, simple steps such as rest, icing and elevation often allow the injury to heal on its own. Dr. Tina Boucher, a foot specialist in Meriden, CT warns that any persistent pain or problem should be seen immediately. The injury may be more serious that you can see and more aggressive treatment may be needed before it gets even worse. Make an appointment by calling our podiatric office at (203) 238-3668 or visit us online at www.centralctfootcare.com.

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