The ordinary dancer doesn’t have words like pedicures or elaborate nail painting in their language. However, dancers make it a habit to prevent minor injuries, cure them, and properly care for their foot health.
Dancers put a lot of strain on their ankles and feet. Rehabilitation can be complex and difficult given these difficulties and the high standards for performance. In light of this, dancers should consult podiatrists frequently.
Following suggestions can assist dancers in maintaining the healthiest possible feet and ankles:
- Toenails: Keep toenails short. They should be trimmed straight across.
- Nail Polish: Polish obscures any potential under-nail objects or injuries. Avoid using nail enamel very frequently.
- Calluses: Trim calluses as needed. They may hurt if they get extremely thick. Avoid messing around with the callus too much. You might end up damaging your feet. It is always better to consult a healthcare professional.
- Corns: Dancers frequently get corns on their feet, which most commonly arises between the toes. It is better to get the issue treated by a medical professional before it gets worse.
- Blisters: Excessive dancing can inevitably result in blisters, especially when breaking in new shoes. Use pads and keep antiseptic bandages with you so that you can prevent the blisters from aggravating.
Foot Health Tips for Dancers
- Keep an extra pair of shoes: If feasible, keep two sets of dance shoes on hand so you can alternate between them, never wearing the same pair for two days in a row. This gives your dancing shoes a chance to dry out and prevents the growth of foot fungus.
- Soak and moisturize your feet and ankles: Soak your feet in warm water. Use salts or essential oils if necessary. This will soothe your feet and make you feel refreshed. Make moisturizing your feet a regular ritual. Consider performing this routine before bedtime.
- Cushion your shoes: Dance shoes must be properly cushioned to safeguard your feet.
- Take precaution: Before dancing, bandage the injured region in medicated gauze if you’ve cut your foot or toes to prevent further bleeding or infection. Rest, if necessary, to avoid long-term problems.
- Arch support: Arch support and tendinitis prevention are both possible with arch bands.
- Proper footwear: One cannot overstate the significance of a well-fitted pair of dance shoes. The best way to ensure your footwear is a suitable fit is to go to a specialized dance shoe store. Your dance instructor can also recommend good places to find appropriate footwear.
A trip to a podiatrist is the best course of action if you need immediate diagnosis and treatment. Your concerns can be addressed by the doctor, who can also assist in stopping them from getting worse. Leaving small foot issues untreated might cause bigger foot issues to emerge very fast. Be smart and be safe!
Call the friendly My Chicago Foot Expert staff at (773) 561-8100 or click here to schedule an appointment with Cook County podiatrist Stavros O. Alexopoulos, DPM in our modern, comfortable Ravenswood office today.