Lace bite or Skate bite is an irritation and tendinopathy of the tibialis anterior tendon and maybe the toe extensor tendons that is common in the roller and ice skating sports due to the friction between the tendon and tongue of the skate at the point of flexion. It is more common near the start of seasons, especially if more inflexible skates are being used and the athlete is not so accustomed to the skates due to the off-season. Lace bite appears to be relatively common and well known in the ice skating and ice hockey communities, but relatively unknown in clinical practice suggesting that the condition is mostly managed by skaters themselves and by boot fitters.
Etiology of Lace Bite:
The cause is mostly because of a rigid or less flexible tongue in the skate combined with a tight lacing technique placing pressure on the tibialis anterior tendon.
Clinical Features of Lace Bite:
Presents as anterior ankle pain with tenderness and swelling of the tibialis anterior tendon.
Resisted dorsiflexion and inversion is painful
Treatment of Lace Bite:
Usual tendinopathy management: activity modification, NSAIDs, ice packs after skating
Loosen the laces. Redo the lacing in the skates with no lacing over the area that is painful.
Padding options:
Foam or gel pads can be adhered to the underside of the tongue of the skate
Commercially available gel padded ankle sleeves can be worn under the socks to protect the area.
Strips of padding under the tongue of the skate, either side of where the tibialis anterior tendon is (eg adhesive felt, poron, EVA)
Prevention:
Break in new skates slowly until they become more flexible.
Use of padding options.
Lacing:
Related Topics:
Ice Skating | Bauer Bump | Tibialis Anterior tendinopathy | Tibialis Anterior muscle
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