Bloody skate shoes ? A surgical solution

22 April 2016

Just a couple years ago, the amount of pain I could handle to keep the thrill going and run a few tricks at the next spot was amazing. I could never imagine putting up with these kinds of injuries today.

When I was barely 12 years old, my tenacity was already an issue. I would go back and forth to doctors for an ingrown nail on my big toe that required to be operated every so often. This complication quickly became recurring due to my skating. Each day, my crew and I would go to the Ahuntsic park to work the mini-ramp. Each day without fail, I ended up with a pair of blood stained white socks.

This nuisance lasted for over two years before the doctors offered me to do a definitive surgery to remove the nail. The idea to be permanently relieved from this burden was easy to accept; I quickly agreed.

I didn’t have the greatest knowledge of the human anatomy, but they explained that the nail’s root is on a bone called the distal phalanx. In order to remove my nail for good, they had to get rid of the root. It starts with a nasty laceration on the big toe to expose the bone, and next they scratch the surface to remove the roots.

The operation began with a local anaesthetic. I was alert and conscious throughout the whole process, staring at the surgeon carefully working on my insensitive foot. To add to the experience, this particular operation isn’t a sample nip and tuck. The doctors scratch blindly until they hope to have removed all the roots because these are not visible to the eye.

Once it started, the only thing I could do was to listen to the sound of the scalpel grinding against my bone with strength.

I was unable to leave the house for a whole week after and it took full month for complete recovery.

I have no regrets and it wasn’t hard for me to move forward with my decision. It allowed me to keep doing what I loved for many more years. I wanted a skating career but around 25 years old, I realized my passion and skills wouldn’t be enough to carry me to these dreams.

Some awkward moments have occurred through the years. People who stare at my feet have followed me at the pool or I also had an ex-girlfriend who puked the very first time she saw my missing toenail. Most athletes, who practice an extreme sport, will be able to relate to this kind of story, in my opinion. We have all endured an injury or a handicap to finish the day at least once; it’s all part of the glory.