Looking Back on 4 Decades of Practice

By Dr. Robert Weil, DPM   

In the late 70s, newly involved with the late, great sports therapist Bob Gajda’s new Sports Fitness Institute in Glen Ellyn Illinois, I met figure skating coach, former National champion competitor, Candy Brown. Candy was coaching a young 12-year-old neighbor. Angelo, who I had seen flying around, double jumping  on our local frozen Lake Ellyn. She was talking with Bob and I about helping this kid become a stronger, better athlete–all that jumping–trying to prevent injuries while adding speed and power. We initiated a special strengthening, core, balance and stability, foot and ankle program–including initiating prescriptions in skate orthotics. Bob had huge regard for foot mechanics and alignment in All sports–that’s what kept us working together for 4 decades!

Angelo went on to be an Olympic backup to Brian Boitano. Twenty-five years later, Candy and others were coaching young 10-year-old Evan Lysacek and other young hotshots. Evan was playing with triple jumps already. By 2010 Evan was the Olympic Gold Medalist. Wow! It’s hard to believe we just celebrated 15 years since Evan won! (He also won 2nd place on Dancing with the Stars!)

Many national competitors, ages 10-20 years-old, in singles, pairs, and dance, have followed suit at all levels–including master’s level figure skating coaches and great radio guests, Sheila Thelen and Kim Ryan. Boot and blade experts that I’ve counted on for years;  recently retired John Harmata “Mr. Edge” of Gepettos–we co-wrote the book “Anatomy of a Figure Skating Injury” with physical therapist Gina Pongetti–she and John were frequent radio guests on my show. Jody at Rainbow Sports and independent Morris Akin were my other boot wizards. Can’t forget my long-time orthotics expert Darrin Harpham–of Henhat Labs in McCook Nebraska, who has produced and consulted on almost all of these skaters’ orthotics. All sports, all ages, all levels from superstars to grandmas!

Two main reasons and goals–to prevent and alleviate symptoms and injuries and enhance performance.

The rest, as they say, is history!

Forty-five years later I’m still prescribing skate orthotics for 10 to 12-year-olds, with the same priorities–to prevent Injuries and enhance strength and performance. For the vast majority of skaters at all levels and ages, orthotics are included because of foot, ankle and knee injuries or discomfort.

The newest news was enhancing performance improving everything–edging, stability, speed, balance and power! Feedback from the skater, their coach and parents, was highly positive. Of course, big help with symptoms was of key importance and almost always positive. Common foot problems like arch and heel plantar fasciitis, ball of foot or toe and metatarsal problems like bunions and hammertoes. Add Achilles, ankles and foot concerns and also knee problems, especially in females with hyper foot pronation. Any boney or joint prominences needed boot accommodations. Figure skates and blades raise the center of gravity off the ice a couple of inches in rigid boots all  while balancing on a 1/8-inch blade. Foot biomechanics, motion control, alignment are all tested and stressed. Proper custom orthotics increase motion control, joint efficiency and propulsion, balance and stability. It all made sense–optimum comfort, alignment and precision was both an objective and subjective “Stepping Up”. Excessive pronation often causes overuse, strains and pressure on supportive tendons and structures and increased torque and inward rotation at the knees.

The world of boots, fitting, brand varieties and selection is always important. Optimum fitting of boots is both a fitting, molding and accommodating combo. Blade choices, placement and sharpening are other fitters’ skills. The challenge of getting any orthotics to fit was always of equal concern.

Parents and coaches often ask, “Does my young skater NEED orthotics?” I always answer, “If you are asking if they would benefit then the answer is yes!”

And on an end note, other skating sports like hockey, speed skating and roller skating absolutely can benefit from orthotics as well!

Robert A. Weil is a sports podiatrist in private practice in Lisle, Illinois. He hosts “The Sports Doctor,” a live weekly radio show on bbsradio.com, or you can visit his website, thesportsdoctorradio.com. His book, #HeySportsParents written with Sharkie Zartman, is available on Amazon.com. Dr. Weil was inducted into the prestigious National Fitness Hall of Fame in April 2019. Find him at thesportsdoctorradio.com.