Why do my feet hurt when I skateboard? (Reasons + Preventions)

As a skater, you’ve likely felt the occasional ache in your feet from time to time.

Skateboarding is a demanding activity that can take its toll on even experienced athletes; yet so many of us still take it up knowing full well what the consequences are.

Do you feel like soreness in your feet is par for the course? Are there ways to prevent this kind of pain while skateboarding?

This article will explore why skateboarders often suffer foot pains and provide potential solutions to keep you rolling.

Why do my feet hurt when I skateboard?

Many skateboarders experience foot pain that can range from mild to severe. If you’ve ever had to take a break from skateboarding because of painful feet, you may have asked yourself, “Why do my feet hurt when I skateboard?” Let’s look at some possible reasons for the pain. 

Ill-Fitting Shoes or Inadequate Supportive Gear

The most common cause of foot pain while skateboarding is wearing ill-fitting shoes or not having adequate protective gear.

Wearing shoes that are too tight can cause blisters, corns, and calluses. Shoes that are too loose can cause your feet to slide around in your shoe, leading to rubbing and friction which can result in blisters as well.

More, having inadequate protective gear such as socks or shin guards can also lead to irritation and soreness on your feet.

Improper Form or Technique

Another potential reason for foot pain when skateboarding is an improper form or technique.

For example, if you use the wrong kind of stance when riding your board, it could lead to excessive pressure on certain parts of your foot which could result in soreness and discomfort over time.

Over and above, if you don’t have a proper sense of balance while riding your board it could increase the amount of pressure on certain areas of the foot which could lead to pain or injury.

Improper form or technique can be addressed with practice and by seeking out advice from experienced skaters about proper techniques for avoiding pain while skating.      

Injury or Overuse Injury

Finally, another potential reason for foot pain while skateboarding could be due to an injury or overuse injury.

For example, if you suffer a sprained ankle while skating it could cause swelling in the area which could lead to soreness and discomfort in the feet over time.

Besides, if you spend too much time on the board without taking breaks it could cause repetitive stress injuries like tendinitis which can affect different parts of the foot leading to discomfort when attempting certain tricks or maneuvers on the board.

Taking regular breaks while skating will help reduce the chances of suffering an injury due to overuse.

Is it normal for your feet to hurt while skating?

It is quite common for people’s feet to hurt while skating due to the repetitive stress exerted by the constant pressure of the skates.

This can be attributed to many reasons such as having the wrong size of skates, wearing improper skate lacing, not having enough stretching before skating, and infrequent breaks during intense skating sessions.

To avoid any discomfort or injuries it is important to choose a pair of good-fitting skates, make sure proper skate lacing is done, and also reasonably paced warm-up exercises should be done before getting on the ice.

Furthermore, taking breaks in between intense skating routines will help rest your feet and reduce soreness in the long run.

How can I treat foot pain after skateboarding?

Now you know the causes or reasons why your feet may hurt after skateboarding, let’s take a look at some potential solutions you can use to treat any foot pain you may experience.

Rest and Ice Treatment

The first step in treating foot pain is rest. Take some time off from skateboarding to let your feet recover and heal.

During this period, apply ice or a cold compress to reduce inflammation in the affected area.

You should do this several times a day for around 15 minutes each session—but make sure you don’t overdo it.

You don’t want to cause further damage by freezing the skin on your feet.

Elevation Treatment

Another one of the best ways to treat foot pain from skateboarding is elevation treatment.

Elevation reduces swelling by taking pressure off the affected area and allowing gravity to do its job in draining away excess fluid buildup.

To maximize effectiveness, elevate your feet above heart level whenever possible such as when lying down in bed or sitting down with your legs up on an ottoman or chair, and keep them elevated for at least 30 minutes at a time throughout the day.

Stretching Exercise

Stretching exercises are also great for relieving foot pain caused by skateboarding.

Focus on stretching out the muscles in your feet so they won’t become tense or tight during skating sessions which can lead to more serious injuries if left untreated for too long.

A few good stretches include toe curls, heel raises, ankle rolls, and calf stretches (all done while standing).

Besides, you can use massage balls or foam rollers to target specific areas where you feel tension or discomfort when stretching out your feet muscles.

Conclusion

To recap, skateboarding is a challenging form of exercise, and it can put your feet under strain due to the intense pressure placed on them.

While there is no guaranteed way to ensure your feet won’t hurt after skateboarding, there are some key tips to keep in mind: choose the right skateboard shoes, use proper foot positioning while skating, and make sure you’re stretching properly.

When taken together, these steps can help to reduce the amount of discomfort felt by your feet when you’re out shredding. However, if pain persists or becomes unmanageable despite trying different remedies, be sure to talk with a healthcare professional as soon as possible.

Taking into account all this information, don’t let sore feet discourage you skateboarding is a great way to stay active and have fun at the same time.