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NathanOnFire

Custom blade fit for over-pronation

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Alright, I need some insight from someone who knows their stuff when it comes to working magic with skates.

I have a over-pronated right foot, so when I stand up straight on my skates, my left one is fine, but my right one points out to the right. I had a private lesson for the first time today and really realized how this is limiting my skating ability. When doing figure eights, I cannot physically turn left well at all, while making a tight right turn is easy(probably due to the right foot already being slightly turned). Then while doing crossovers, it was super easy crossing over with my right foot, but when I switched to the left, I was stumbling and could not do it gracefully.

Here's my idea. I have tried to physically fix it, but it is just not working. So...what if I got my blade on my right skate rotated to be in line with my left skate? I know it would be a risky thing to do, drilling some new holes and all, but in my head it makes a lot of sense. Thoughts?

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You should also see a podiatrist; see that knee in that diagram? That will start to wear and tear unaturally; it will also effect your back. Everything starts in your feet.

It's likely that you have a short first metatarsal. Put something about a 1/4 inch thick under the first metatarsal head - and stand on it; bend your knee and see if it tracks straight.

I have this problem^ - and what I do is take the thick "foam" moleskin and stick four (4) pieces (stacked) under my footbed right at the 1st metatarsal head. Sets everything up nicely. Cost me about $2.00

You still might need to adjust the holders however.

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First and foremost, this is not an uncommon problem. Most people naturally favor one leg over the other the same as they favor one arm/hand over the other and even one eye over the other. Almost everyone who skates, let alone plays hockey, has to work much harder on one side than the other when it comes to edges, crossovers, and even stopping. Specifically concerning the "knock knee" issue... Again, not all that uncommon. For most right-handed people, the right leg carries more of their weight even in every day activities. Over time, this can cause everything from the foundation up (feet, ankles, knees, hips, pelvis, spine... etc.) to shift causing results such as being "knock kneed". The good news is that if it's caught early (and the root cause is determined) it can be corrected without surgery in most cases.

So, the first question is... Is this "knock knee" issue only while wearing your skates or is your one knee turned in that way (even if not quite as severe) all the time? If it is only while wearing your skates, then it is very possible that the blade on one boot isn't truly "centered" from the factory. So, looking into moving the holder on that boot is definitely appropriate. Out of curiosity, have you just tried on another pair/brand/style of skates since noticing this issue to compare how your knee reacts?

If it's a case where your knee is actually doing this all the time (again, even if to varying degrees depending upon what footwear you have on) then it may already be bad news. Once most people begin to notice that they are "permenently knock kneed" or even "bow legged" (the opposite of the above) it is generally because they are starting to have actual joint issues/problems. By this time, the knee joints are usually already "set" in their current configuration. Unless you believe in divine intervention, about the only thing that can really correct it is surgery. I have been "knock kneed" most of my life and have been to multiple orthopaedic surgeons. I have had every type of orthotic and "adjustment" made that you can imagine and, you guessed it, I'm still just as knock kneed as when I started.

If you do find yourself in this boat - being knock kneed all the time - then, at the least, you are going to have to attempt to "correct" it to the same degree all the time. "Fixing" the problem just for skating and not for everything else you do will just cause even more problems. So, this will mean not only working on your skates until things are right, but also working with an orthopaedist, for example, to get all of the rest of your footwear right as well. (I even wear a lift/orthotic in my slippers around the house.)

All said, good luck. I'm finding many here whom have had to go through lengthy research to get skate/skating issues such as this worked out. You're not alone. Hopefully their experiences cuts down some of your search time.

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I completely forgot I started this thread. Thanks for all the suggestions. I first noticed the problem when I became a personal trainer years ago. It has only gotten worse since then I feel, so there is probably no going back. Believe me, I've tried all kinds of "corrective exercise" and foam rolling. I like your suggestion Katzen. I think that would help out a little. And yes, my skates are aligned fine(x60s). I know theres a brand that sells adjustable hockey skates(mxl?)but I havent exactly heard great things about them. I'm gonna take them to my local pro shop and see if the manager knows how to adjust the blade. He is apparently pretty well respected and does work on skates from lots of different places.

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