Have you ever wondered why your feet hurt when you skateboard? There are actually a few reasons why this may be occurring. This article will cover some of the most common reasons why do my feet hurt when I skateboard, as well as some tips on how to prevent it.
I know how it feels when your feet, heel, or knee hurt after a long day of skateboarding. It can be really frustrating, especially if you don’t know why it’s happening. No matter how much you love skateboarding, foot pain can quickly dampen your fun.
Hence, whether you have pain in your feet, knee, ankle, or heel, read on to find out the possible causes and solutions to your problem.
Why Do My Feet Hurt When I Skateboard?
There are several reasons why your feet may hurt when skateboarding. Here are some of the most common ones:
You’re not wearing the right shoes: Not wearing the right shoes is one of the most common reasons why your feet may hurt when skateboarding. Skateboarding requires a lot of movement and traction, so it’s essential to wear comfortable shoes that provide good support. In addition, make sure to avoid wearing shoes with thin soles or that are too tight.
You’re not using the proper form: Improper form is another common reason for foot pain when skateboarding. When skateboarding, be sure to keep your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees bent. Avoid crossing your feet or legs as this can put unnecessary strain on your feet and lead to pain. If you’ve no idea how to stand on a skateboard, you can learn that first.
You may have flat feet: You may be more susceptible to foot pain while skateboarding if you have flat feet. This is because flat feet lack the natural cushioning and support that helps absorb shock. If you have flat feet, be sure to wear shoes with good arch support and consider using insoles or orthotics to help cushion your feet.
You’re skateboarding on rough terrain: Skateboarding on rough or uneven terrain can also lead to foot pain. Be sure to avoid skateboarding on surfaces that are too rough or with sharp objects that could puncture your shoes and hurt your feet. It is best to skate on smooth, level surfaces whenever possible. If you still want to skate on rough surfaces, replace your existing wheels with the best skateboard wheels for bumpy roads for less shock and feel a little more comfortable even on bumpy roads.
However, along with the right wheels, you should know how to go over bumps on a skateboard for proper balance and prevent pain.
You have an injury: An injury is another common cause of foot pain for skateboarders. If you have a previous injury or condition that affects your feet, such as plantar fasciitis, you may be more likely to experience pain when skateboarding. Hence, it’s essential to rest and ice the affected area to help reduce pain and swelling. If you have had an injury in the past, it is better to avoid hard and long hours of skateboarding.
Tips To Prevent Feet, Knee, Ankle, and Heel pain when skateboarding
Above, you’ve seen some of the most common problems that can cause foot pain when skateboarding. Below are some tips to help prevent these issues.
Most skateboarders will experience some form of foot, knee, ankle, or heel pain at some point. While this is primarily due to the repetitive nature of the sport, there are a few things you can do to prevent pain.
1. Wear supportive shoes
This may seem like a no-brainer, but skateboarding shoes that offer little support can lead to pain in the feet, knees, and ankles. Therefore, always look for shoes with good arch support and a stiff sole. This will help to absorb the impact of skating and reduce the risk of pain. In skateboarding, investing in a quality shoe is always worth it.
2. Drink Water Before Skateboarding
Water may seem unrelated to pain prevention, but it’s essential for healthy joints. It is important to drink plenty of water to keep the joints lubricated and prevent pain in the feet, knees, and ankles. So always drink water as needed before you start skateboarding.
3. Stretch Or Warm up before skating
Another way to prevent pain is to stretch or warm up before skating. Skateboarding is a high-impact sport, so preparing your body for the activity is important. Stretching or doing a light workout before skating can reduce the chances of having pain.
4. Rest when you feel pain
Taking a break is also essential if you start to feel pain while skateboarding. If you continue to skate through, the pain can worsen the problem and might become your everyday problem. Hence, a little break between your skateboarding is good if you’re feeling pain.
5. Strengthen your feet and legs with exercises
There are a few exercises that can help to prevent foot pain from skateboarding. One is to sit in a chair, raise your feet off the ground, and then flex and point your toes. This helps to strengthen the muscles in your feet and can prevent pain. Another is to do calf raises. This exercise helps strengthen your calves muscles and can also prevent pain.
6. Start slow and gradually increase your skating
If you’re just starting out, it’s important to take things slowly. Skateboarding is a high-impact sport, so it’s crucial to build up your strength and endurance gradually. Starting slow will help you to prevent pain and injuries.
7. Apply ice to painful areas for 20 minutes at a time
If you do start to experience pain, one way to help relieve it is to apply ice. Ice can help you to reduce swelling and inflammation. The pain can be relieved by using ice on the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes every day if it is not so severe.
8. See a doctor if the pain is severe or lasts for more than a few days
If you’re experiencing severe pain or it lasts more than a few days, it’s important to see a doctor. Due to the high-impact nature of skateboarding, it’s essential to be sure that there isn’t a more severe problem. A doctor can help to diagnose the problem and recommend the appropriate treatment.
9. Skate on smooth surfaces whenever possible
Skateboarding on rough surfaces can also cause pain in the feet, knees, and ankles. Hence, whenever it’s possible, skate on smooth surfaces such as concrete or asphalt. This will reduce any impact on your joints and prevent you from getting injured.
10. Use proper form when skating
If you’re riding on a skateboard, be sure to use proper form. This means a correct riding stance and keeping your knees bent and your back straight. Leaning too far forward or back can also cause pain in the feet, knees, and ankles. Using proper form will help to prevent pain and keep you safe while skateboarding.
12. Try different brands of skateboard trucks to find the ones that work best for you
Skateboard trucks are the part of the skateboard that attach the wheels to the deck. Different brands of trucks can have different effects on the way your skateboard rides. Some trucks are designed for speed, while others for stability. Experiment with different brands of trucks to find the ones that work best for you and your skating style or search trucks for specific roads as we’ve done in our article best skateboard trucks.
13. Consider wearing pads
If you’re concerned about pain, you might try to consider wearing pads. Pads can help to protect your knees, elbows, and wrists from scrapes and bruises. Wearing pads won’t necessarily prevent pain, but it can help to reduce the risk of injury and pain.
14. Rotate your skateboard wheels often to prevent uneven wear
Skateboard wheels can become worn down over time, which can cause pain in the feet, knees, and ankles. To prevent this, it’s important to rotate your wheels often and check the condition. If it’s worn down or almost finished then it’s high time to switch out the wheels on your skateboard. If you’re a regular skateboarder, the wheels may need to change every few months or so. This will help keep your skateboard riding smoothly.
15. Keep your skateboard clean and dry to prevent rust and other damage
A dirty or wet skateboard can rust and deteriorate over time, resulting in a bumpy ride. This can cause pain in the feet, knees, and ankles. To prevent this, keeping your skateboard clean and dry is essential. Be sure to wipe it down after riding and store it in a dry and cool place.
FAQs
When you are experiencing severe pain, or the pain persists for more than a few days, you should consult your doctor and take a rest from skating. However, if the pain is mild and goes away quickly, you might be able to skate through it.
There are a few reasons why skateboarding might cause foot pain. Skateboards are smaller, require more balance, and require continuous pushing, so it’s common to have skateboarding pushing foot pain in your feet more than most other types of sport. Additionally, pushing off the skateboard continuously with your feet can strain your muscles and joints. Finally, if you’re wearing shoes that don’t provide enough support, that can also lead to foot pain.
One common reason why people don’t get better at skateboarding with time is that they’re not practicing regularly. Skateboarding requires a lot of coordination and practice to get good at it. Furthermore, if you don’t practice in a proper form, your skill level could stagnate as well.
Conclusion
In addition to getting exercise, skateboarding is a great way to enjoy the outdoors. You should be aware, though, that skateboarding can result in foot pain. Several reasons were mentioned above as to why this could be the case. Skateboarding foot pain can be avoided by regularly practicing, stretching, exercising, wearing supportive shoes, and taking breaks if you start to feel pain.
I hope you get answer your query about why do my feet hurt when I skateboard. Skateboarding is a great sport, but it is essential to be aware of the risks involved as it’s a physical activity.
Make sure not to stop skating permanently just because your feet might hurt, but take the necessary precautions to prevent any serious injury. This is the common query for every skateboarder, especially beginners, so take it easy if you face the same.
I am James Buckridge, the founder of skateboardidea.com. Skateboarding is my passion, and I have years of teaching experience in this field. Our vision and mission is to provide you with accurate information on everything related to skateboarding. Catch me on Twitter & Pinterest.