| Common Ballet Ouchies |
| Cramps A cramp is a sudden muscle soreness. It can be relieved by immediate gentle stretching and perhaps massage of the cramped area. Strain A strain is a tearing of muscles and/or tendons. To minimize the pain and sweeling of a strain, do the following: 1) Immeadiately apply pressure to the injured area by snugly wrapping it with a wet Ace bandange. 2) Apply ice compresses for 20-30 minutes to the injury 3) Elevate your strained area Sprain A sprain is a damage to ligaments of a joint. A violent stretch or fall can produce a sprain, but so cna incorrect turn-out. Treatment should involve the same 3 procedures as for a strain. Shin Splints Shin splints are minor tearings of the muscle attatchments to the tibia (shinbone) Pain from shinsplints can usually be relieved by heat and rest. If you are subject to shin splints, ask your doctor about strengthening exercises. Tendonitis Tendionitis is an inflamatin of the tendon and the tendon sheath. Anti-inflamatory drugs are sometimes given, along with instructions to ice the area. Anorexia and Bulimia Unfortunately the ballet world puts an empatis on being thin, causing some dancers to starve themselves (anorexia) or eat great amounts, then throw it up (bulimia) If you suspect you have one of these disorders, get help from a counselor, trusted friend, or a therapist so they can help you. Feet Injuries Bunions A swelling at the first joint of the big toe is commonly called a bunion. If you have them, use bunion pads. Blisters A blister is caused by excessive friction on an area. To minimize the chance of getting blisters, use moleskin, bandaids, or gauze on a vulnerable site. Soft Corns Soft corns between the toes occur as a result of excessive pressure. Precautions include wrapping lambs wool losely around the toes. Hard Corns Hard corns are caused by lots of pressure on an area. Horseshoe shaped pads can be used to take pressure off of them. Callouses Callouses are proctetive devives, so don't worry too much about them. If they get to be too much, simply use a callous file or pumice stone. |
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