Lace bite is a common problem in ice sports and is reasonably well known in those communities. It is not as well known in the medical and podiatry communities. Lace bite is the term used to describe an anterior tibial tendonitis that is caused by pressure from the laces at the front of the ankle. The cause of Lace bite is too tight lacing across the front of the ankle at point where the skates flex. This results in a painful and swollen anterior tibial tendon and maybe the toe extensor tendons.
The initial approach to get rid of lace bite is to rest it somewhat or at least cut back on activity levels. This can be slowly built up again as it improves. Anti-inflammatory medication and ice can also be used initially if it is particularly painful.
The next approach to getting rid of it is the use of gel and/or felt padding:
- A gel sleeve can be used that wraps around the ankle and has a layer of gel over the front of the ankle to cushion and protect the tendons from the ice skate.
- Strips of adhesive felt padding can be applied to the underside of the tongue of the ice skates that are placed on either side of the painful area. This means the tendons at the front of the ankle can move freely without pressure on them.
Additionally, it may be possible to remove the laces for the eyelets in the area of the problem to also reduce pressure on the tendons.
