Skate mods after ankle injury

[stick9 897]

I broke my ankle (outer bone) about 3.5 months ago to the point where it required surgery. I’m a pretty thin guy so there isn’t a heck of a lot of meat there. I can easily feel the first couple screws just by touching the ankle bone. The doctor has already warned me these screws could be an issue, especially in skates.

What are my options as far as reworking the skate liner and ankle padding? The ankle packs in my Easton S12's are comfortable, but really aren’t all that soft if you know what I mean.

I'd like to avoid a second surgery to remove the screws if possible.

[AIREAYE 248]

This sounds like the sort of thing where you should heed the advice of the doctor before considering skating again. Perhaps he/she knows of some foot support setup?

[ktang 34]

I had a similar surgery (plates and screws on both the inside and outside ankle knobs), and I used 2 donuts of high-density foam to keep pressure off the screws. Otherwise I would feel the screws kind of working their way out from the inside of the skin.

I was back on the ice 6 weeks after surgery, and I had the plates and screws removed after another 4 months (and then back on the ice 5 weeks after that).

[stick9 897]

I was hoping to avoid having the screws removed unless absolutely necessary. If the only thing that bothers me is a skate, I'll have mods done to the skate before going back under the knife.

Just curious as to the extent of what can be done to a skate to soften things up.

[fatwabbit 93]

Maybe try these. YOu can put some donut foams under these to keep the donuts from rolling all over the place.

http://www.icewarehouse.com/descpage.html?pcode=EZ2MM

[Monty22 834]

Graf 707's?

[ktang 34]

I used to tape the donuts to my ankles before putting on the skates. And, I've also heard, like Monty22 says, that Graf 707s are good for people who have had our kind of surgery.

With the donuts I didn't have to soften up the boots or loosen the laces.

[Lefty718 0]

So what did you find worked for you?

I'm recovering from a broken Ankle now, and too have plates and some screws in there. From my understanding the removal of the screws really is not that big of a surgery(no where near what it was initially). And I'm sure recovery time isn't bad either compared to what you've already gone through. Maybe you can get your skate re-baked? I know this is something I'll be faced dealing with in about 6-8 weeks when I start light skating again, so would love to hear how you resolved your problem.

Hope your doing well!

[ktang 34]

Since the surgery to remove the hardware, I haven't had to use the foam doughnuts. My skates went from CCM Vector Pros (in-use at the time of the injury and after) to Bauer 8090s and now Nike / Bauer One95s.

I also found that my ankle mobility improved a lot when the hardware came out.

I did not re-bake the CCM Vector Pros after the surgery; the foam doughnuts were enough for my comfort.

[Lefty718 0]

Since the surgery to remove the hardware, I haven't had to use the foam doughnuts. My skates went from CCM Vector Pros (in-use at the time of the injury and after) to Bauer 8090s and now Nike / Bauer One95s.

I also found that my ankle mobility improved a lot when the hardware came out.

I did not re-bake the CCM Vector Pros after the surgery; the foam doughnuts were enough for my comfort.

Ah so you did have surgery to remove it? It's really not that bad, way minor compared to the original right?

Why'd you change skates so many times?

[ktang 34]

My surgeries were about 7 years ago. Each pair of skates lasted 3-4 seasons; I just got some 3rd-hand Nike / Bauer One95s in the middle of this winter season (I'm on the ice about 25-30 times per month).

The 2nd surgery to remove the hardware and the physio following it wasn't so bad. There was an increased risk of infection because the scar tissue was re-used for the cut, but I was very careful about keeping the area clean.

[Lefty718 0]

My surgeries were about 7 years ago. Each pair of skates lasted 3-4 seasons; I just got some 3rd-hand Nike / Bauer One95s in the middle of this winter season (I'm on the ice about 25-30 times per month).

The 2nd surgery to remove the hardware and the physio following it wasn't so bad. There was an increased risk of infection because the scar tissue was re-used for the cut, but I was very careful about keeping the area clean.

Got ya undrstood! I thought maybe your ankle had something to do with you not bring able to find the right fitting pair of skates after. Good news! Glad to hear you made a strong recovery!

[stick9 897]

So what did you find worked for you?

I'm recovering from a broken Ankle now, and too have plates and some screws in there. From my understanding the removal of the screws really is not that big of a surgery(no where near what it was initially). And I'm sure recovery time isn't bad either compared to what you've already gone through. Maybe you can get your skate re-baked? I know this is something I'll be faced dealing with in about 6-8 weeks when I start light skating again, so would love to hear how you resolved your problem.

Hope your doing well!

Thanks,

I've be playing for about a month now, skating for about two. I've found the hardware doesn't really bother me nearly as much as I thought. I litterly have two screws on the point of my outer ankle bone. You can even see them thru the skin, so I am sure you can understand where my concern came from.

I never rebaked, altered my skate of even changed the type of socks I wear. It felt weird the first time out, but not painful. With what I did to my ankle & foot I'm just happy to be back out there. Hopefully it continues to be a non-issue.

[Lefty718 0]

Thanks,

I've be playing for about a month now, skating for about two. I've found the hardware doesn't really bother me nearly as much as I thought. I litterly have two screws on the point of my outer ankle bone. You can even see them thru the skin, so I am sure you can understand where my concern came from.

I never rebaked, altered my skate of even changed the type of socks I wear. It felt weird the first time out, but not painful. With what I did to my ankle & foot I'm just happy to be back out there. Hopefully it continues to be a non-issue.

Good to hear!

To be expected feeling a bit weird when you were back out there for the first time, just as I assume walking did too. Just so you know, the option is there for you to remove them, and its no where near the surgery you went through initially. BUT some suggestions made here (Foam donuts and ankle pad) seem like great suggestions I may explore myself. Step by step though, as of now im about to be at the 2 week mark post-surgery and taking it slow!

Thanks for your reply

[stick9 897]

I have some reservations about removing the plates & screws. First, it's back in some sort of walking boot. After spending 5+ months in casts/boots I'm not looking forward to being back in one anytime soon. Second, the risk of infection. When they removed a screw that went from my tibula into my fibula I got a bit on an infection. The cut was tiny and the infection cleared up pretty quickly, but another headache. Finally, after two sergeries on my ankle and counltess hours of re-hab, I just want to put it all behind me.

I gotta say, this was way worse than when I had acl reconstruction. 10 months later and I still having trouble walking down the stairs in the morning.

One thing I've learned in all this. Your fitness level goes to shit pretty quick. I put on about 10-15 pounds. My cardio went to total shit and lost a lot of muscle mass. I'd be extra careful with your diet if I were you and some upper body work other than crutches wouldn't be a bad idea. Don't risk messing up that ankle though....it's not worth it.

[Lefty718 0]

I hear that, but 5/6 months in the long term perspective of life is really not a long time if you think about it ya know? Trust me I know the frustrations and wanting to get back and just be done with the whole thing, I'm going through it now, but at the same time I want my ankle to be as close to 100% when I'm said and done (IE:Proper rehab, and really working on it to make strong again.) If you don't mind me asking, how old are you?, and how often were you at PT training? And how long after the surgery did you start? Doc said he's got a program of core/upper body work for me. Been really focusing hard on eating a healthy balanced diet, and not falling out of shape.

Thanks for your insight...

I have some reservations about removing the plates & screws. First, it's back in some sort of walking boot. After spending 5+ months in casts/boots I'm not looking forward to being back in one anytime soon. Second, the risk of infection. When they removed a screw that went from my tibula into my fibula I got a bit on an infection. The cut was tiny and the infection cleared up pretty quickly, but another headache. Finally, after two sergeries on my ankle and counltess hours of re-hab, I just want to put it all behind me.

I gotta say, this was way worse than when I had acl reconstruction. 10 months later and I still having trouble walking down the stairs in the morning.

One thing I've learned in all this. Your fitness level goes to shit pretty quick. I put on about 10-15 pounds. My cardio went to total shit and lost a lot of muscle mass. I'd be extra careful with your diet if I were you and some upper body work other than crutches wouldn't be a bad idea. Don't risk messing up that ankle though....it's not worth it.

[Sofer 0]

cut out donuts out of some stiff sponge and your golden

[stick9 897]

I hear that, but 5/6 months in the long term perspective of life is really not a long time if you think about it ya know? Trust me I know the frustrations and wanting to get back and just be done with the whole thing, I'm going through it now, but at the same time I want my ankle to be as close to 100% when I'm said and done (IE:Proper rehab, and really working on it to make strong again.) If you don't mind me asking, how old are you?, and how often were you at PT training? And how long after the surgery did you start? Doc said he's got a program of core/upper body work for me. Been really focusing hard on eating a healthy balanced diet, and not falling out of shape.

Thanks for your insight...

I was 41 when I injuried the ankle, but you wouldn't know it by looking at me. I was very active at the time, I was playing hockey at least one a week and particpating in martial arts (taekwondo) another 3-4 days a week, in fact I had recently earned my black belt. So overall I was pretty healthy and in decent shape.

Once I started PT I was there twice a week for 3 to 4 months. Not sure when I started PT. I was non-weight baring for 3 months so it had to be about 3 months after surgery.

Best of luck to ya. It's a long process and you will probably get frustrated at some point. I was frustrated and depressed. I thought for sure I would never recover to the point of doing anything more than walking. Gotta stay positive.

[Lefty718 0]

I was 41 when I injuried the ankle, but you wouldn't know it by looking at me. I was very active at the time, I was playing hockey at least one a week and particpating in martial arts (taekwondo) another 3-4 days a week, in fact I had recently earned my black belt. So overall I was pretty healthy and in decent shape.

Once I started PT I was there twice a week for 3 to 4 months. Not sure when I started PT. I was non-weight baring for 3 months so it had to be about 3 months after surgery.

Best of luck to ya. It's a long process and you will probably get frustrated at some point. I was frustrated and depressed. I thought for sure I would never recover to the point of doing anything more than walking. Gotta stay positive.

Absolutely! Thank You!

It's been 3 weeks (almost 4 now) I have been back to the doctor, and had the cast and stitches removed. Said everything's looking and healing good! I am in a big removable air cast now, still no weight, and elevation 95% of the day. I am also instructed to do ankle pumps 2 times a day. Next week, I am starting 10% weight bearing, and light PT. Then 2 weeks post that, will be full weight bearing and assisted PT 3 times a week. Staying positive, and feeling stronger everyday!

[viktorv 0]

Hi guys, I am going through the same thing with the ankle injury and am getting antsy to get back BIG TIME!

I have a question regarding rebaking skates, as this is something I want to do after rehab. Can you rebake used skates with some rips in them? I have Vapor X30 and I am concerned because I have some cuts on the skates around the material (fiberglass like) near the eyelets. I just dont want them to go in flames or smoke..What do you think?

[AIREAYE 248]

Haha the oven isn't that hot, and it isn't direct heat. You should be fine