Hockey Orthotics ( Ice Skate Arch Supports ) and Gait Cycle

Hockey Skate Orthotics

Orthotics in hockey ice skates are used to control the ankle, foot and knee. In the foot, it especially controls the subtalar, midtarsal and ankle joints. If any of these joints are not in their most efficient positions, then the ice skater will not have the most effective leg power.

The typical hockey skater’s lower extremities never goes through a complete gait cycle. They ideally should have limited pedal mechanics between midstance and the beginning of propulsion, with slight knee flexion during the entire contact phase. When initiating a turn, an ice skater will maintain their control by directing the inside knee medially and transferring the load inward to the foot’s medial edge. This is done by internally rotating the tibia, causing a closed kinetic chain pronation of the foot which transfers the pressure through the skate boot on to the blade’s inside edge.

The higher level hockey skater has a more subtle dynamic and the reverse is true for the beginner. When an ice skater has an over pronated or unstable foot structure, they may have a more difficult time turning as the medial arch of the foot may collapse within the skate boot before the edging force can be transferred.

Some indications you may need a hockey ice skate orthotic arch support.
1. Foot and or Ankle pain or fatigue with ice skating.
2. Weak crossovers.
3. Difficulty making a turn.
4. Knee and or Low Back pain or fatigue while skating.
5. Chronic fatigue or pain directly after skating.

A hockey ice skate orthotic should allow greater control with turning and crossovers. Usually, persons with ice skate arch support orthotics notice longer stride length and more explosive leg power. Ice skate orthotics should be thin for ease of placement, 3/4 length for toe room, semi rigid for control and adjustable for modifications. The best place for a hockey orthotic is under the skate’s insole for comfort, control and proper placement.

A heat moldable, direct contact orthotic from Atlas Biomechanics achieves all the above goals. It is only 1.3mm thick, fabricated with just a hot water bath, heat gun or toaster oven. Duplicate a lab built custom orthotic in less than 10 minutes.

Some Benefits of Our Heat Moldable Orthotics
*3/4 semi rigid sport orthotic shell.
*12mm heel cup for added control
*Medium profile (Sport Orthotic) to fit in most ice skates, gym, and casual shoes.
*1.3 mm thin. *Completely heat moldable and reheat formable.
*Proprietary material used to ease of mold.
*Total custom contact fit.

Teri Green
Atlas Biomechanics