Why Do My Feet Hurt In Ski Boots?

Around this time of the year, many people come in with concerns of foot pain when skiing. Others just accept the myth that it is normal for their feet to hurt when they ski. If your feet hurt in ski boots, it might be due to foot problems.

Foot Pain While Skiing Is Not Normal

Many things might cause your foot to hurt when you ski.

Poorly fitting boots – Do you ski with different socks than when you tried on your ski boots in the store?  Do your ski boots create pressure points that cause pain?

Changes in weight of more than 10 lbs. As people gain and lose weight, their feet swell and shrink.

Ski technique – Poor ski technique can lead to foot pain.  Rigid ski boots are unforgiving of incorrect skier movement.

Foot Problems – If something is wrong with your foot, skiing will most likely make you aware of it.

Foot Problems Might Make Skiing Hurt

Any one of many possible foot problems might make your feet hurt when you ski:

1. Bunions – bump on the inside of the foot at the big toe joint.
2. Hammer Toes – When toes curl downward.
3. Tailors bunion or bunionette – bump on the outside of the foot at the pinkie toe joint.
4. Metatarsalgia – pain in the ball of your foot.
5. Neuroma – a growth of nerve tissue usually between the third and fourth toes.
6. Stress fracture – a small crack in a foot bone.
7. Pinched nerve – when a nerve is under pressure from surrounding bones, ligaments, cartilage, muscles or tendons.

Conclusion

• It is not natural for your feet to hurt while skiing.
• Many factors might cause foot pain while skiing
  • Poorly fitting ski boots
  • Poor skiing technique
  • Pre-existing foot problems
• If your feet hurt while skiing, it is prudent to have a consultation with a qualified professional foot doctor.

See Also

Why Traditional Bunion Surgery Should be Avoided

What Happens When Bunions are Left Untreated?

What are some of the the advantages of minimally invasive surgery?