Quick answer: Curling Foot Ankle Health Slide Mechanics Michigan Curling is a common foot/ankle topic that affects many patients. The 2026 evidence-based approach combines proper diagnosis, conservative-first treatment, and escalation only when needed. We treat this regularly at our Howell and Bloomfield Township practices. Call (810) 206-1402.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI. Last updated April 2026.
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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 & 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.
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Board-certified podiatrists serving Southeast Michigan. Same-week appointments available.
Book Your AppointmentCurling 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 Township 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.
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Howell Office
4330 E Grand River Ave
Howell, MI 48843
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Bloomfield Township Office
43494 Woodward Ave, Suite 208
Bloomfield Township, MI 48302
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Same-week appointments available at both locations.
Book Your AppointmentWatch: Curling Foot Health: Slide Mechanics
Dr. Tom on curling feet — slider-shoe-induced lateral instability, delivery-foot PF, frequent squatting knee-foot overload, post-end warmth protocols for Michigan curlers.
Curler’s Foot Kit
Sheet-ready. Dr. Tom’s kit:
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Slider-stability.
Delivery arch support.
Post-match inflammation.
Topical post-game relief.
Related: Ankle Sprain · Plantar Fasciitis · Book Athlete Eval
More Podiatrist-Recommended Foot Health Essentials
Hoka Clifton 10
Max-cushion everyday shoe — podiatrist favorite for walking and running.
PowerStep Pinnacle Insole
- The Pinnacle Full length insoles for men & women provide maximum cushioning, from high activity to moderate support. The PowerStep arch support shape provides stability to the foot and ankle, helping to relieve foot pain.
- When you spend all day on your feet, every step counts. PowerStep insoles are a podiatrist-recommended orthotic to help relieve & prevent foot pain related to athletes, runners, Plantar Fasciitis, heel spurs & other common foot, ankle & knee injuries
- The Pinnacle plantar fasciitis insoles offer superior heel cushioning and arch support. The dual-layer cushioning is designed to reduce stress and fatigue, while PowerStep premium arch support is designed for plantar fasciitis relief.
- The PowerStep Pinnacle arch support inserts for men & women can be worn in several shoe types such as; athletic, walking, running, work & some casual shoes. Orthotic Inserts are ordered by shoe size, no trimming required.
- Made in the USA & backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. PowerStep orthotic inserts for men & women are designed for shoes where the factory insole can be removed. HSA & FSA Eligible
The podiatrist-recommended over-the-counter orthotic.
OOFOS Recovery Slide
- The Original Recovery Footwear.
- Finding Your Size – For your perfect fit, consult the “size chart” link above. Wear a half size? In general, we recommend that women who wear a ½ size size UP, and men who wear a ½ size size DOWN
- OOahh – An evolution of the OOriginal, the OOahh slide features our proven foundation of OOfoam technology + patented footbed design with a slide-style strap that has become a best-seller in the OOFOS line
- OOfoam Technology – Our revolutionary OOfoam technology absorbs 37% more impact than traditional footwear foams to reduce the stress on your feet, joints & back. Plus, the closed-cell foam is machine washable and designed to minimize odor
- Patented Footbed – Our patented footbed cradles and supports arches to reduce energy exertion in the ankles by up to 47% compared to competitors’ footwear. So walking is easier. Recovery is faster. And yOO feel better
Impact-absorbing recovery sandal — wear after long days on your feet.
As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. Product recommendations are based on clinical experience; prices and availability shown above update live from Amazon.
When to See a Podiatrist
If foot or ankle pain has been bothering you for more than a few weeks, home care alone may not be enough. Balance Foot & Ankle offers same-week appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Township clinics — no referral needed in most cases. Bring your current shoes and a short list of symptoms and we’ll build you a treatment plan in one visit.
Call Balance Foot & Ankle: (810) 206-1402 · Book online · Offices in Howell & Bloomfield Township
Dr. Tom’s Recommendations for Skaters
CURREX EdgePro Insoles — Designed for lateral movement and sudden direction changes — exactly what skating demands. Heel cup engineered for boot sports.
Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel — Natural arnica + menthol for boot pressure points and overuse soreness. Plant-based, FSA-eligible. Apply directly 3–4×/day.
Disclosure: We earn a commission if you purchase — at no extra cost to you. We only recommend what we use in our clinic.
Visit Balance Foot & Ankle — Same-Day Appointments Available
Our podiatry team serves patients throughout Michigan including Howell, Brighton, and Bloomfield Township. If you’re dealing with heel pain, ingrown toenails, or a foot injury, we have same-day appointment availability.
Same-day appointments available. (810) 206-1402
📋 Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS answers:
Curling athletes face unique lower extremity demands. The slide foot undergoes prolonged eccentric loading in a hyperextended knee position, creating stress through the ankle and midfoot. Hack foot repetitive push-off can aggravate plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy. Delivery mechanics that rely on toe-off increase pressure on the sesamoids. Proper slider footwear with a smooth, frictionless sole helps distribute sliding forces. Grip footwear on the non-slide foot should provide adequate ankle support. Our clinic treats curling-specific foot conditions and can fabricate custom orthotics compatible with curling footwear.
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified foot & ankle surgeon (ABFAS & ABPM) 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 made him one of the most-followed foot & ankle educators on YouTube.