random skating question...

i don't know where else to ask this, so if this is a dumb question, i'm sorry. anyway, all my young life i've played roller hockey and my lower back has always hurt when i skate, i recently made the switch to ice hockey i feel it way more and i always get bad cramps in the arch of my foot after a game or sticktime. i am a bigger guy, but is this normal? i heard i needed wider skates, but i still get the pain in my arches. i go by the guide on hockeygiant for my skate size. am i doing something wrong or is this something that always happens? could it be because i have a longer stick? i usually keep it around nose level. thanks in advance for the feedback.

i had lower back problems because i played with a short stick forever and was leaning over too much, now that i play with a longer stick i dont have any problems

Skate a while on your blades. Dull them up a bit. Then take them to someone knowledgeable enough to identify whether you're using the proper skating technique. He'll probably tell by where your edges are the most dull/sharp. You might be leaning too forward when you skate or staying too far back. That's probably my best suggestion. Unless your feet cramp up when you skate or hurt during or immediately following skating, I don't see how it could be your skates.

Try foot beds and don't tie your skates as tight.

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thank you guys so much! all the feedback means a lot!

What SirJW said. If you're skates are too tight, your constricting blood flow to the muscles in your feet. Not good; feel bad. Be sure you have the right size and fit for your skates. Consult a pro shop with a reputation for knowing what they're doing.

As to back pain, do you stretch prior to skating? You may need a new stretching regimen. If you have back issues, touching your toes a couple of times is not good enough.

I had the same problem when I was using a short stick. I'm 6'5" and I was trying to use a stock length stick. My back friggin' hurt. Longer stick=not as much pain. Secondly, I started to bend my knees more. I practiced bending deep in my crossovers and in my first three steps.
I have always used footbeds so I don't know if that is an issue, but the tight laces do make my feet fall asleep if I lace 'em up too tight.

Do what Clich'e said. I fact I think I'm going to do that.

It's probably a combination of the length of your stick and your posture when skating. The more straight you keep your back, the better off you'll be. Even when bending over, bend your knees and keep your back as straight as you can. I'm a goalie (usually ;) ) and my feet hurt for the first period, every game, no matter what I do. I got insoles (good ones; nice and expensive) and it does no good. Tried different skates and it did no good. Took 1600 mg of Ibuprofen before the game and it did no good. However, I have plantar fasciitis and partially collapsed arches, but the Doc doesn't know if the skates and my combat boots have caused it. BUT... I also used to have horrible back pain until I started to straighten the back and puch the hips forward. SO... it sounds like you're getting some good advice, and worst case scenario on the skates, just go to a play it again sports and find a bit bigger and/or wider size of skate (if you can) and see if that helps.

In any event, it's something that you can't be negligent about and can't afford to cut costs.