Last ditch hope.... need some skate advice

[sakic333 0]

First post, but I'm sure there someone here that can help.

I have developed bone on bone patella damage, which is making it very difficult to skate. Basically what I'm looking for is a skate recommendation that will actually minimize pressure on the kneecap.

I have been skating for the last 7 years in Grafs, and they seem to force me to bend my knees, which is great for balance, but terrible for my knee problem.

I'm not a pro or even a particularly good player - I just don't want to miss out on what I've enjoyed for the last 40 years. I've had to miss significant time with failed surgeries, so a skate change is my last shot.

Has anyone had or dealt with a similar problem?

[JIMRB96 0]

Try ccm. They're pretty much the most neutral pitched skate. Easy on the foot. 11 foot radius and shouldn't cause knee strain. Graf will put you forward too much. Bauer has a 9 foot radius which means your supporting muscles work a bit harder. I see plenty of guys with old knees fine in a rbk or ccm. Just go with a higher end, u+12 or equivalent. This stiffer skate will mean a reduction in muscle work. Good luck!

[Neal 41]

I'm no skate expert, but a cheaper option than new skates would be having your profile adjusted on your existing skates. It seems like you want to remove some of the forward lean and allow yourself to skate more back on your heels. A profile change can accomplish that, maybe not to the same degree a change in skate could, but at least enough to see if it helps.

[Davetronz 109]

Yeah, try a combination of profile and adding some lifts under the front towers of the Graf Cobra holder to push you a bit more neutral. I'd try this before investing in new skates.

[Hockeydog 8]

I have had some knee issues as well ( multiple surgeries) but mine have been ACL and cartledge tears and not what you are dealing with. I agree that you wouldn't need new skates, just get a more neutral profile on your current skates. Everyone is differnt but I actually found less strain on my knees with a 9' as opposed to an 11'. The longer rocker seems to lock me into the ice more where the 9' allows more mobility, I don't feel stuck to the ice. Again that is what works well for me personally. Another area I watch for is my hollow. I get a FVB equiv to a 13/16th and I get plenty of edge and a great glide. As for boot stiffness - again this is waht works for me personally - I try and stay away from the really stiff boots. If the boot doesn't give a bit , something else will, and for me it is my knees. No need to go super flexible, I skate on EQ50's and with a 9' my knees don't torque a lot. I think with the good advice given above and hopefully anything I may have been able to help with you can find a way to stay on the ice. Have you also looked in to any bracing/taping for your knee(s)??

[sakic333 0]

Great advice, thanks guys. I was considering trying a new pair of skates, simply because I need a new pair anyway.... and since I'd be looking to make a drastic change back on the heels, I figured a less agressive boot as a new starting point would be a good idea.

Would a skate like the new Bauer Nexus possibly suit in terms of a less aggressive boot from the get go, and then have the shop put a neutral or slightly negative profile on them?

[hb4167 6]

I HIGHLY recommend superfeet for stuff like this. I have had constant nagging back and knee pain for a long time and never skated with any sort of orthadic. I nabbed a pair of superfeet and I could immediatley tell a difference. Now these aren't a cure all, but definitley a big help.

[sakic333 0]

Yeah, I've been using the superfeet for some time. Perhaps they've helped slightly, but I think the joint damage has gone past any help insoles can provide. I'm really just trying to buy as much time as I can before I have to get a knee replacement - after which, hockey will not be possible.

I'll buy a pair of nexus 600 or 800s tomorrow, have them profiled, and see if the shallower knee bend can keep me out there for awhile longer.

[hb4167 6]

I know it's tough for any hockey player to hear but just remember to take it easy out there! Don't over-do it. Hopefully this new set up will get you some quality time on the ice friend!

[Hockeydog 8]

Would a skate like the new Bauer Nexus possibly suit in terms of a less aggressive boot from the get go, and then have the shop put a neutral or slightly negative profile on them?

Most likely the Bauers will come with what most would consider a slightly negative profile. I would just get a good edge on them first and see how you like them. The adjust from there. If you skated in a typical Graf forward lean anything is gonna feel like you are on your heels! Have you tried on the Nexus skates? They have a fairly specific fit. For me they were a bit too wide in the forefoot, but man they were comfy out of the box. If the forefoot was a little snugger for me I'd have bought them, and I doubt I would have even needed a bake job. Keep us posted!!

[wrangler 157]

Buy a boot for the fit, adjust the holder and blades as necessary for the desired pitch, etc. A poorly fitting boot with the blade/holder pitch and radius you like will just create other problems.

[sakic333 0]

Yeah, I have a nice big fat foot that worked well with flexlites many years ago, so I'm guessing the nexus would be a good place to start.

Really appreciate the comments and suggestions, guys. Thank you to all.

[Hockeydog 8]

Yeah, I have a nice big fat foot that worked well with flexlites many years ago, so I'm guessing the nexus would be a good place to start.

You'll like the Nexus if Flexlites agreed with your feet ! Great skate to start the selection process.