Protecting Your Knees and Ankles on the Ice: Why Ice Skaters Need Compression Support
Winter’s in full swing and it’s the perfect season to take advantage of the ice skating rink. Whether you're a figure skater, ice hockey player, or simply love ice skating, you’ll want to take extra care of those knees and ankles.
More and more skaters are turning to figure skating tights with targeted compression to protect their joints, and stay on the ice longer to enjoy the full season and beyond. Let’s have a look at why…
The Physical Demands of Ice Skating
Figure skaters and speed skaters performing jumps, spins, and explosive starts that generate significant force when landing on the ice. It’s the knees and ankles that absorb all that impact over and over again, particularly during jumps like axels, lutes, and toe loops.
Long practice sessions can lead to overuse strain on joints and surrounding muscles, increasing the risk of injury. If you’re training hard and working your body to the limit, even subtle weakening on landing or edge control can place excess stress on the lower body, especially those joints.
Common Knee and Ankle Injuries in Ice Skating
Knee Strain and Patellar Tendinitis
“Jumper’s knee” is a common issue among figure skaters due to repeated high-impact landings. The patellar tendon is under constant strain, especially during jump takeoffs and landings, causing inflammation.
Ligament stress and meniscus irritation can also occur as a result of twisting movements, deep knee bends, and landings, common movements in both figure skating and speed skating. Common symptoms include tenderness, swelling and discomfort on and off the ice.
Ankle Sprains and Instability
Ankle sprains are among the most common injuries for skaters of all levels. Edge changes, unstable landings, or catching a toe pick can cause the ankle to roll or twist, causing slight to severe injury.
Without proper support, repeated ankle instability can weaken surrounding muscles and ligaments, making future injuries more likely.
How Compression Gear Protects Knees and Ankles
Stabilizing Joints During Movement
High-quality ice skating tights with compression provide external support that helps stabilize the knees and ankles during high-impact landings and complex movements. This added stability reduces excessive joint motion that can lead to sprains, strains, and overuse injuries.
Targeted compression provided by compression leggings like the Endurance Generator Joint & Muscle Support Compression Tight help joints stay aligned during jumps, spins, and powerful strides on and off the ice.
Improving Proprioception and Reducing Fatigue
Compression gear enhances body awareness, also known as proprioception, leading to better landing mechanics, sharper edge control, and improved technique and performance.
Compression gear like the Stabilyx Joint Support Compression Tight limits muscle vibration during landings and delays fatigue. Many skaters pair compression tights 
Why CW-X Compression Gear Works for Ice Skaters
EXO-WEB™ Technology for Targeted Joint Support
CW-X compression tights are engineered with patented EXO-WEB™ technology, which mimics kinesiology taping to support key joints and muscles. Strategic support panels are designed to protect the knees, ankles, hips, and hamstrings. This targeted design makes CW-X tights ideal for figure skating tights, speed skating tights, and even high-intensity training off the ice.
Flexibility Without Restriction
CW-X compression tights, like the Endurance Generator Insulator Joint & Muscle Support Compression Tight deliver true support without compromising skaters full range of motion during spins, bends and landing.
The breathable, moisture-wicking fabric found on these leggings and the rest of CW-X’s collection, keeps skaters comfortable during practice sessions and competitions, helping regulate body temperature and reduce distraction and discomfort on the ice.
Final Thoughts
Ice skating demands strength, precision, and resilience from your knees and ankles with every jump, spin, and stride. CW-X compression tights with EXO-WEB™ technology provide the targeted joint support and muscle stability you need to skate confidently, reduce injury risk, and recover faster. Whether you're perfecting triple jumps, racing around the oval, or enjoying recreational skating, our compression gear helps protect your body and enhance your performance.
Explore our collection and give your knees and ankles the support they deserve on the ice.