Why does my front foot hurt when I snowboard?
The most common cause of front foot pain during snowboarding is excessive pressure on the forefoot.
This pressure can cause pain and inflammation in your metatarsal (the long bones in the front of your feet just below your toes).
More Reading>> Snowboarding Neck Pain
Why Does My Front Foot Hurt When I Snowboard?
Why does my front foot hurt when I snowboard? Your front foot may hurt when snowboarding because of;
- Wearing the Wrong size boots or bindings
- Having too much stuff in your boot
- If your feet are not used to snowboarding (you are a beginner)
- Feet cramps
- Wearing too thick socks
More Reading>> Why is Snowboarding so Hard?
1. Wearing the Wrong Size Boot or Wrong Binding Setup
Depending on the binding setup, one can feel discomfort when snowboarding.
Try playing with them until you get your optimal stance. Also, check out the length of your straps.
Ensure they are not too tight since they can also cause foot pain.
Binding sizes are compatible with a wide range of boot sizes. The only thing you should ensure is that your boots should be within the range your binding can accommodate.
Not all snowboard boots fit all bindings. To pick the best bindings, always consider both the size of your board and boots.
If your bindings only match your feet, they might hang off the board causing foot pain.
Generally, if the bindings match your board, you’ll not be in a position to strap your boots correctly.
When boots are bigger than your feet, you tend to do the instep buckle too hard to secure the foot.
When you do this, you tend to apply pressure to the top of the foot.
During this process, the nerves and blood vessels run, causing numbness and lack of blood circulation.
If your boots fit properly and bindings are adjusted correctly, your feet do not numb.
2. Having Too Much Stuff Tucked in Your Boots
Snowboarding boots should always fit you snugly. They should not fit you to a point where they cause pain to your foot.
Socks play a great role in boots fit. They are the only thing that should be inside your snowboarding boots with your feet.
The best socks should be synthetic or single thin to medium weight wool.
Any other form of clothing (like the thermal leggings and gaiter from the snowboard pants) should be tucked outside the boot.
If you keep tucking other stuff in your boots, your feet will hurt.
3. If You Are Very New to Snowboarding
Your feet may hurt as a beginner since you are not used to snowboarding.
At some point, custom orthotics and physical therapy treatment may be required.
If suffering from a metatarsal, one can seek soft tissue work in the lower extremity and foot in addition to laser therapy and acupuncture therapy.
4. Feet Cramps
Feet cramps occur in snowboarding when you put a lot of stress on muscles.
The overstressed nerves start misfiring when you stress or overwork your muscles, causing cramps.
Feet cramps occur during snowboarding and at night.
- Magnesium pill: You can get it on amazon or any place where minerals and vitamins are sold. Also, look for a combination of magnesium, calcium, and potassium since the three minerals are good for muscle control.
- Mustard: Take a spoonful of the simple yellow mustard and swallow it. According to recent research, mustard offers instant relief from cramping. It consists of minerals like calcium, manganese, copper, iron, selenium, and zinc.
- Turmeric: Turmeric contains helpful minerals like calcium, iron, potassium, manganese, copper, zinc, and magnesium. Always carry a few of those small packages of mustard when on the slopes.
5. Wearing Too Thick Socks
You deserve to be comfortable when snowboarding, and a pair of padded snowboard socks can make a difference.
Snowboard boots require a precise fit, not too thick socks. All the same, your feet need to stay warm.
There are padded snowboard socks to help with pressure points.
Most snowboarding socks are made of merino, a synthetic blend, or a hybrid of both.
A small percentage of elastane or lycra spandex enhances the best fit and provides flexibility.
Snowboard socks also promote ventilation, and they are naturally breathable.
These socks allow sweat and moisture to escape ensuring your feet are left warm and dry.
As a snowboarder, the best socks are worth every penny. Choose high-quality material and superior construction for a pain-free snowboarding experience.
