How To Get Rid Of Lace Bite In Hockey Skates? [Updated!]


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Hockey is an exciting game to watch. Whether you like watching professional hockey players battle it out in the NHL or play a more leisurely sport, nothing beats the rush of adrenaline as you watch a skilled player maneuver the puck past a defender.

While the game itself can be a thrill to watch, there is one element that can spoil the fun. While hockey is a game that often requires quick reflexes and nimble fingers, the worst part of playing hockey is something that you cannot fix with your own hands. The dreaded โ€˜lace bite’ is something that every hockey player experiences at some point in their career. It can be quite frustrating and difficult to diagnose since it is a repetitive stress injury and there are no set guidelines on how to prevent it. Let’s take a closer look.

The Lace Bite And Why It Happens

If you are a hockey player and you have been playing for more than a few years, then chances are you have experienced a lace bite. Essentially, a lace bite occurs when a skate’s lace gets twisted around the roller studs. This causes the skates to lock up and prevent the player from being able to move their feet freely.

There are several factors that can lead to a skate getting stuck in the ice, and in a worst case scenario, it can lead to serious injury. One of the main culprits is excess torque or stress placed on the back of the ankle while putting the skates on. When putting on a pair of hockey skates, you should start by rolling the ankle back and forth to loosen up the joint. Make sure you exercise care when pulling off the laces, as this is one of the most common causes of lace bites. Another factor that can contribute to this injury is sharp ice edges and corner stones. If you play on these kinds of surfaces, it takes longer for the skate to freeze and allow the player to move freely. Also, if the skate is damaged or worn out, this can make it more likely for the player to sustain a lace bite.

How Do You Diagnose A Lace Bite?

If you experience pain after putting on your skates and it is not gone within a couple of minutes, then you most probably have a lace bite. This would be a good time to take of your skates and have a look at them to see if anything is wrong. Depending on how long it has been since you last changed the liners, you may need to take your skates to be professionally cleaned.

You should also try to determine how long it has been since your last skate repair since they too can contribute to worsening the condition. If you have had multiple pair of skates damaged in this way, then this is a clear sign that you are dealing with a severe case of lace bite. In this case, you should consult a doctor so that he can prescribe you pain medication.

Treatments For The Lace Bite

While there is no cure for a lace bite, there are treatments that can help ease the pain and allow you to play through it. The first and most important step is to seek medical help. If you do not, then this could ultimately lead to more serious injuries. Once you see your doctor, he should be able to prescribe you anti-inflammatory medication and a brace to help relieve the discomfort. In most cases, this is all that is needed to allow the hockey player to continue playing.

As for the prevention of a lace bite, there are measures that you can take to avoid this injury. One of the simplest and most effective ways is to remove excess tension from the ankle when putting on your skates. When you are taking off your skates, be sure to roll your ankle in the opposite direction. This will help prevent any damage to the sensitive joint.

Another effective prevention measure is to use wrist straps while playing. This will prevent overuse of the ankle as well as any slippage that could put you at risk of injury. If these measures are not enough for you, then it may be a good idea to look into purchasing a pair of roller blades as opposed to ice skates.

In Conclusion

Hockey is a game that is accessible to everyone. No matter where you are, you will be able to find a pair of ice skates so that you can join in the fun. Unfortunately, the game is filled with its share of dangers that you need to look out for. One of the most serious of these is the lace bite. While there is no sure fire way to prevent it, you can take measures to ease the pain and discomfort that it causes. The best thing to do is to work with your doctor to find a solution that is best suited for your needs. With the proper treatment, you should be able to play on the ice once more without any problems.

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