1st time back on ice, skates too big and groin strain

[flyguy1 1]

After about a 15 year hiatus, I've finally got back on the ice. I have 2 issues, one a skate issue, the other is after my 1st open hockey, I pulled my groin. I used to be a great skater when i played before, but obviously its been so long that i don't have that same feel on the ice. As i played, i felt better, able to cut, turn, use my edges aggressivly...etc but still lacking. My skates are definitely not fitted properly. I got equipment on a budget and picked up low end skates at a sports store where the only size they had were EE width. i used to where a 952 tacks 8D, now i have vapor x15 8EE. im not as versed as i was on fit but have read alot here. i feel i can lift my toes and ball of foot freely in them and have to really tie tight around the ankle for support which gave me a nasty bruise on front of my ankles. lace bite? Im giving the skates the benefit of the doubt since i've only used 2-3 times and still breaking in, and i dont have money to get another pair yet and want to start playing seriously to be able to upgrade to a good skate. Skates dont hurt feet at all, only front of ankle, is this because they're too wide? Do you think my skates will hinder my ability to 'skate good' or to really improve my skating? Ive read here that people say their skating really improved once they've been properly fit in a skate.

now to my groin, It felt fine while playing, the day after felt alittle tender, 2 days after it hurt....not the 1st time pulling groin playing hockey or soccer. but now that im pumped to get back on the ice, i know i should wait another week and come back slowly and not reinjure myself. what things have you guys done to help prevent this injury? is it possibly my skating technique? im more of a power skater, power strides, not the quickest short strides kind of skater.

[Chadd 916]

It sure sounds like the skate is too wide for your foot. I would even be concerned with the length being correct. While I used to fit perfectly into size 10 CCM tacks from the late 90's, I'm now at least half a size smaller in most brands. You will continue to have problems as long as you are in a boot that does not fit properly.

[flyguy1 1]

Skates were actually a xmas gift and given out of good intentions. on the box, size 8 would be my size for my shoe size 9.5, and im sure the store had all the extras from hockey shops, so it was EE width. how much will this really effect my skating, balance, edge work..etc?

[althoma1 574]

Improperly fitted skates (too wide, too long, too deep ect.) can cause all kinds of problems from blisters to lace bite to bone spurs and more. Just sell or trade those skates and get properly fitted and save yourself a lot of headaches. You'll enjoy the game a lot more with skates that fit well.

[Chadd 916]

Skates were actually a xmas gift and given out of good intentions. on the box, size 8 would be my size for my shoe size 9.5, and im sure the store had all the extras from hockey shops, so it was EE width. how much will this really effect my skating, balance, edge work..etc?

Don't pay attention to the number on the box, check the fit. Loosen the laces completely and slide your foot forward as far as you can without pain. If you can fit anything more than a #2 pencil behind your heel, they're too long. Being the wrong size can cause huge problems, especially if it is more than a half size off.

[chk hrd 164]

now to my groin, It felt fine while playing, the day after felt alittle tender, 2 days after it hurt....not the 1st time pulling groin playing hockey or soccer. but now that im pumped to get back on the ice, i know i should wait another week and come back slowly and not reinjure myself. what things have you guys done to help prevent this injury? is it possibly my skating technique? im more of a power skater, power strides, not the quickest short strides kind of skater.

It doesn't sound like a groin pull more like muscles that got a work out. Keep in mind that skating uses different muscles than running, biking, etc. If you haven't skated in along time those muscles like the groin will get a good work out. The first day you might be a little sore but the second and third will be alot worse. Take some Advil, do some light stretching and do a light skate to keep them from hurting as bad.

[flyguy1 1]

thanks for all the replys guys. unfortunetly i think im going to have to gut out my skates til at least the winter and if i join a league i will get a pair of skates that fit the right way. my toes don't graze the end like they should, i'll check with a pencil to really see how much gap there is for length, but they definitely don't hug my foot width wise. i just hope the lace bite goes down cuz it was swollen for a couple days.

chk hrd, might of not been a pull but a mild strain because i've had this problem for a couple years now playing soccer. i would play hard, then have to take a couple weeks off because i could barely walk 'normal' without any pain. i over work myself and play 'too hard' sometimes which is my problem. thats why i kinda stopped playing soccer, but i do lots of stretching, running, HIIT, gym...etc...now i hope its just my groin muscles not use to this kind of strain, but it definitely wasn't DOMS.

going to play open hockey tonight, going to only skate light and not go hard. i need to get on the ice as much as possible so i can work on my skating and play, it sucks after 1st time back already feeling discouraged

[olsona 0]

i have used skates that are to big for me. it really hinders your skating ability more than you would think. i would recommend trying to get skates that fit you properly as soon as you can im sure you will be very happy when you do. as far as skate sizing charts on the box just ignore them i have a size 11.5 shoe and use a size 9 skate you need to try the skate on in the store and make sure it is a snug and proper fit.

[Chadd 916]

If you have a history of groin issues, then you have to pace yourself. Explosive bursts will absolutely cause inflammation every time you skate. If you are going to skate with skates that are causing skate bite, at least use a bunga pad or even a cut up piece of mousepad to take some of the pressure off of that area. Chances are that as long as your foot isn't locked in, you will continue to have lace bite issues.

[moreoutdoor 6]

feel for you. I know what it`s like to re-enter after a lot of yrs off. for me, i came back after being away since late 84. I did skate twice, once in 92 & 95. Obviously you can`t be at the level from back then, either skills or stamina.

don`t be discouraged... its fun just being on the ice again. some things come back, some needs time and work.

i`m starting mt 4th week back, and i too had groin issues - it does get better. a really good warmup before going hard is vital. Stretching has ben depricated, but i find it makes a huge difference in just being able to move reasonably and not tweek a muscle during an awkward moment. Finally, this week the groin stopped complanin - there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

try to get the skate isue resolved - will make a huge diff.

[flyguy1 1]

Thanks for the tips guys. i wasn't able to make it out the other night, but will be for groin as it feels fine now, an extra couple days will only make it better. i will ease into so i don't strain it again and stretch even more too.

as for the skates, i will get a pair once i prove myself that im serious about getting back into this and not blow 200-300 off the bat and without showing commitment. i really do want to play but will stick it out for the next few months til i show my commitment and most importantly can afford skates and league (fall/winter)....money is real tight!

Its been so long, i really didnt know it was that important to have skates that properly fit. I remember my first skates were some low low end bauers from early 90s and i learned to skate and play, which i was able to play 'decent' but once i upgraded my skates (properly fitted) i improved my game and abilities 100 times more, (even won award for most improved that year!). i guess i'll do the same this time around....,

[fusedgore 0]

I just got back into hockey after a 7 year lay off .And wow .Went to try skates on and I was shocked how much the sizes have changed .I used to wear a 1-1 with my shoe size now I have to wear a 1.5-2 sizes smaller skate,glove .pretty much a big shock .Plus sticks have changed so much from what I was using .The easton Grip lite shafts discontinued .Are you kidding me easton .Best shafts ever made.

[Xuno 14]

Skate sizes bewildered me when I started playing. I skated in a 7.5 EE for almost 2 years, and I didn't know any better. I thought I just had to get better and better. (which I still do!) When I figured out something was wrong, I spent a lot of time picking out skates and ended up in a 6.0. They were so much better I didn't know they were still wrong. After about a year, those 6.0 Reebok 10k skates fell apart, and I ended up buying new ones, and found out my true size is a 5.0. Absolutely shocked at both the size and how much it improved my skating.

If you could find a way to replace them earlier than winter, I definitely would try.

[x-axis 44]

I agree with Xuno and had a similar experience. Started in an 8.5 then to a 7 and now to a custom 6.5. Each time was an adjustment because I was using smaller runners and holders, and the muscle memory I had developed for my previously oversized skates made for a lot of adjustments with the newer and better fitting ones.

You'll feel a big difference right away when you make the change but I agree with only trading up if you play in a league in the fall.

Your skates are your most important piece of hockey equipment. It can slow your improvement the most when not fitted correctly. Your stick height and flex are then a close second.