When should I see a podiatrist?

You should see a podiatrist for any persistent foot or ankle pain lasting more than a few days, difficulty walking, numbness or tingling, wounds that won't heal, changes in skin color or temperature, or structural deformities. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified podiatrist serving SE Michigan with same-day appointments available. Call 810-206-1402.

Does Dr. Biernacki accept insurance?

Balance Foot & Ankle accepts most major insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, United Healthcare, Cigna, Medicare, and many others. Contact our office at 810-206-1402 to verify your specific coverage. We also offer affordable self-pay options.

What should I expect at my first podiatry appointment?

Your first visit includes a comprehensive evaluation with Dr. Biernacki including medical history review, physical examination, biomechanical assessment, and any necessary diagnostic imaging (X-rays are available in-office). You'll receive a diagnosis, treatment plan, and same-day treatment when possible. Most initial visits take approximately 30-45 minutes.

What foot problems do curlers experience?

Common curling foot issues include knee and ankle pain from the delivery slide position, plantar fasciitis from sweeping mechanics, Achilles strain from the deep lunge delivery, forefoot metatarsalgia from the sliding foot position, and hip/knee referred pain from asymmetric biomechanics. The cold ice surface can also exacerbate circulation issues.

Can custom orthotics help with curling performance?

Yes, custom orthotics can be designed for curling shoes to improve stability during the delivery slide, support the arch during sweeping, and reduce metatarsal pressure. The orthotics should be thin enough to maintain feel on the ice while providing adequate support. Separate insoles may be needed for the sliding foot versus the gripper foot.

How can curlers prevent foot and ankle injuries?

Prevention includes proper warm-up before play (especially hip flexors and calves for the delivery position), wearing well-fitted curling shoes, strengthening core and lower body for the lunge position, stretching after play, and addressing any existing foot conditions before they worsen. Ankle flexibility exercises help achieve a comfortable slide position.

Curling Foot & Ankle Health: Slide Mechanics & Michigan Curling

Name: Curling Foot & Ankle Health: Slide Mechanics & Michigan Curling
Creator: Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Published: 2026-03-24T11:26:10-04:00

Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI. Last updated April 2026.

The Foot and Ankle Demands of Curling

Curling is a sport with a deceptively demanding physical profile for the foot and ankle. Michigan is home to numerous curling clubs throughout the Metro Detroit area and West Michigan — and curlers ranging from recreational participants to serious competitive players experience foot and ankle problems specific to the sport mechanics, footwear demands, and extended ice standing that the game requires.

The slide delivery — the fundamental motion of delivering a stone — requires a specific foot position that places unusual stress on the sliding foot ankle and the hack foot. Understanding these demands helps Michigan curlers prevent injuries and seek appropriate care when problems develop.

Slide Foot Mechanics and Common Problems

Anterior Ankle Impingement

During the delivery slide, the sliding foot is held in maximum dorsiflexion — the ankle is bent as far forward as possible for balance and stone release. In curlers who deliver repeatedly, the anterior ankle — the front of the ankle joint — can develop impingement from repetitive compression of the anterior capsule and synovium. Bone spurs form at the anterior tibial rim over time, further limiting dorsiflexion and causing pain at the front of the ankle that worsens with delivery. Arthroscopic removal of the anterior spurs restores delivery mechanics and eliminates the impingement pain.

Sliding Shoe and Slider Mechanics

The sliding shoe worn on the delivery foot has a Teflon or similar low-friction slider on the sole to allow the glide across the ice. The fit and construction of the sliding shoe affects how the foot is supported during the delivery position. Ill-fitting sliding shoes that allow excessive ankle motion increase medial ankle strain during delivery. Custom orthotics designed to fit within curling footwear can address flat foot overpronation during delivery.

Hack Foot Toe and Ball of Foot Pain

The hack foot — the foot placed in the hack (the rubber block in the ice from which delivery begins) — is loaded in a kneeling-forward position with the toes dorsiflexed and the ball of the foot bearing significant weight. Sesamoiditis, turf toe, and metatarsalgia are common in curlers from repeated hack foot positioning. Toe padding, metatarsal pads, and modification of the hack foot position reduce this pressure.

Prolonged Ice Standing and Sweeping

Between deliveries, curlers stand and sweep on ice — a hard, cold surface with minimal cushioning. Cold reduces tissue flexibility and proprioceptive response, increasing the risk of ankle sprain from sudden footing changes. Insulated curling boots that provide both warmth and cushioning reduce the cumulative foot fatigue associated with extended standing on ice. Plantar fasciitis can develop in curlers who stand for prolonged periods on cold, hard ice without adequate arch support.

Podiatric Care for Michigan Curlers

Curling-specific foot problems — particularly anterior ankle impingement, sesamoiditis, and plantar fasciitis — respond well to targeted podiatric treatment when identified early. Balance Foot and Ankle provides evaluation and treatment for curlers and other winter sport athletes throughout Southeast Michigan. Contact us for a sport-specific assessment and treatment plan designed to keep you on the ice.

Ready to Relieve Your Foot Pain?

Board-certified podiatrists serving Southeast Michigan. Same-week appointments available.

Book Your Appointment

Curling Foot Health at Balance Foot & Ankle

Curling’s unique sliding mechanics place specific demands on foot and ankle biomechanics. Dr. Tom Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle provides sport-specific evaluation and treatment at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills offices.

Explore Our Sports Medicine Services | Book Your Appointment | Call (810) 206-1402

Clinical References

Berry JW, et al. “A prospective study of injury in competitive curling.” American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2014;42(4):985-989.
Reeser JC, et al. “Curling injury patterns: a nationwide study.” British Journal of Sports Medicine. 2003;37(3):228-232.
Wiegerinck JI, et al. “Injuries in recreational sports.” British Journal of Sports Medicine. 2012;46(6):420-427.

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a double board-certified podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has reached over one million views.

Medical References

Plantar Fasciitis: Diagnosis and Conservative Management (PubMed)
Plantar Fasciitis (APMA)
Diagnosis and Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis (PubMed / AAFP)
Heel Pain (APMA)

This article has been reviewed for medical accuracy by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM. References are provided for informational purposes.