Medical Issues in Synchronized Skating

Abstract

Synchronized skating is a unique sport of team skating and currently represents the largest competitive discipline in U.S. Figure Skating. Synchronized skating allows skaters to compete as part of a team with opportunities to represent their country in international competitions. As the popularity of the sport continues to grow, more of these athletes will present to sports medicine clinics with injuries and illnesses related to participation in synchronized skating. The purpose of this article is to review the common injuries and medical conditions affecting synchronized skaters.

Pediatric and Adolescent Figure Skating Injuries: A 15-Year Retrospective Review

“…These problems can further be exacerbated by improperly fitted skating boots. 11,21,49,50 The skating boot can also contribute to the development of tendon and ligament injuries at the foot/ankle. The skater's foot is typically maintained in approximately 15 degrees of plantar flexion by the heel lift.…”

Epidemiology of Figure Skating Injuries: A Review of the Literature

“…Hamstring strength and flexibility are necessary to perform spiral elements in which the free leg is extended maximally from the hip into an arabesque position. 2 Hip impingement and labral tears are likely due to the increased range of motion necessary with advanced techniques, similar to those seen in dancers and gymnasts. 5…”

“…8 Lace Bite "Lace bite" is a tenosynovitis of the toe extensors and tibialis anterior due to friction of these tendons against the tongue of the boot during ankle dorsiflexion and knee flexion, typically due to improper and uneven lace tying. 2,6,19 This problem can be alleviated by changing the tongue padding to denser closedcell foam or silicone and centralizing the tongue with a central hook placed on the tongue, around which the lace can be tied to prevent tongue movement during skating. 22,26 Pump Bumps "Pump bumps" refer to the Haglund deformity, which occurs at the posterior calcaneus when the heel slips up and down inside a rigid boot or wide heel of the boot.…”

“…22,26 Pump Bumps "Pump bumps" refer to the Haglund deformity, which occurs at the posterior calcaneus when the heel slips up and down inside a rigid boot or wide heel of the boot. 2,19,26,27 Pain is caused by the resulting callus or blister and sometimes a bony overgrowth. 22 The best remedy is ensuring properly fitting skating boots with an adequately narrow heel to prevent heel slippage inside the boot.…”