Feet problems

[MartinGrenoble]

Some ten years ago, I got so much pain in my feet that I could hardly walk (luckily I had no trouble cycling). In spite of consulting various doctors and specialists, using special soles, creams and pills, there was no improvement until I gave up wearing any footwear except the lightest of sandals that did not touch any of the tender points -- not easy to find!

The pain finally eased, and I started wearing ghillies again for dancing. Big mistake! Agony!

As with so many shoes, the tight lacing of ghillies means that there is no elasticity and they press hard on your feet -- especially when you start getting hot and tired.

I have then been dancing barefoot for nearly ten years, with no regrets. Feet were not designed to be enclosed in unforgiving leather, cloth or anything else. The enlarged toe joints that I had assumed were normal have now disappeared, my toes are all parallel to each other, and I quite convinced that I am far more comfortable using my feet as nature intended than I ever was before.

Yes, I usually stretch my muscles a little before dancing, and have sometimes taken an aspirin or two when I feel a twinge (after Irish dancing for example, which is a bit more punishing), but otherwise have no intention of returning to ghillies or ibuprofen!

It is never too late to undo past mistakes. I am 66.

Martin

[Tetley]

I have then been dancing barefoot for nearly ten years, with no regrets. Feet were not designed to be enclosed in unforgiving leather, cloth or anything else.

Martin

I dance in very loosely tied shoes and that seems to do the trick for me. My painful feet comes from various sprains and trauma such as having a horse fall on my foot (no joke) and if I'm not careful, trying to walk when I get up the next morning after a dance can be excruciating.

So, I do the foot & ankle stretching after my morning shower and make sure that I walk to work and back (4 miles each way) on the days I don't dance. Only when I forget these do I get the problem back.

[Mipi]

If you have pain in your arches, I would suggest stretching them before and after dancing. You can do this by pulling back your toes. Remember, don't bounce when you stretch, just a steady stretch. You can also massage your arches with your fingers or uses golf balls. Icing for 10 to 15 minutes also helps. For an ice massage, put dixie cups in the freezer and tear off the paper as the ice melts (5-10 minutes).

Don't have any experience on this issue, but yes warming up and streching is MUST for any physical activity.

[MartinGrenoble]

... and make sure that I walk to work and back (4 miles each way) on the days I don't dance.

Excellent solution! A pity more people do not follow your example. Our towns would be healthier and ourselves too.

I cycle all the time when in Grenoble, and walk wherever else I go. Regularity is all important.

Martin

[Andrewson]

I've had trouble with my feet too.

A podiatrist suggested insoles (non-magnetic as far as I know) and these have been a great help to me.

My doctor suggested ibuprofen (in 600mg doses) and while this did work it had some undesirable side effects causing stomach problems so I only use this approach when it is really necessary.

With the insoles I seem to be getting little or no pain from more than two dance sessions a week.

I think Tetley (and Martin) are right that it is necessary to maintain a basic level of fitness by exercising well even on non-dancing days so that you come to the dance sessions in the best condition to enjoy yourself without the worry of pain and injury.

[Graham]

Thanks for all the advice, great stuff.
Briefly, in response:
Tried physio's, podiatrists etc, little help there they just tell me dancing is the problem - I know that!!!!!
I have good insoles designed for dancers, I did find some relief a while back after reading about the Gospel of Barefeet Summer time I go barefoot most of the time, wintertime my feet get soft and I have to toughen them up again.

Fish oil could work, I won't take drugs of any kind, I'm a real health nut, I could loose a few pounds, that will help.

The pain doesn't dampen the dancing too much - I'm addicted to SCD, I dance three nights a week and just recently attended my first Winter School.

We press on!!

[Arlen]

I don't know that it's the same issue you are having, but my wife and a few other friends in our dance class suffer from Plantar fasciitis. It caused them a lot of problems until they got arch supporting insoles.
There's a lot of info to be found online to help with it.
I'd also second the advice about stretching your feet and ankles before dancing.


GOOD LUCK!