| Ouch!! (Toe Problems and Injuries and how to fix them) |
| continued |
| Bruised Toenails |
| If the nail is iced as soon as the trauma has happened and kept iced periodically, the blood clot may be kept from forming. If the clot does form, the toenail can be saved if it is treated within two days after the blood has entered the space between the nail and the nail bed. To treat the nail, Dr. James Garrick suggests heating a paper clip in a flame until it is red hot and pushing it through the nail to release the blood. The clip may have to be reheated a few times to complete the procedure, and additional pressure may have to be appiled to the sides of the nail as well. This method should bring instant relief. After performing this procedure, soak the foot three times a day in warm water and Epsom salts and keep the nail painted with Merthiolate. Keep the nail covered with a Band-aid. This information was provided by: The Pointe Book |
| More to come soon!!! Thank you so much to The Pointe Book |
| If you have a toe problem or an injury please e-mail me or leave me a message in my guestbook and I will provide th information for you on my site!! Thanks!! =) |
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| Bunions |
| A bunion is a bony knob on the outside of the big toe that forms when the toe is forced to angle inward toward the smaller ones. When bunions are painful, a toe spacer can be worn between the big and second toes, which properly positions the big toe and prevents its being crushed into the other toes at an angle. A toe spacer can be made out of lamb's wool or a one-inch strip of paper towel folded into a small rectangle and placed between the toes. Moleskin pads and bunion cushions can also be used. Care should be taken to see that pointe shoes and street shoes are wide enough across the metatarsal joints to avoid undue pressure and that the foot is placed properly on pointe. When the bunion projections are sore and inflamed, treat them with icing and contrast baths. Anti-inflammatories may also be helpful. If you have a bunion you could experience pain in other parts of the foot. The daner might have pain under a second toe or develop a hammertoe. A soft corn could also form between the first and second toe. This information was provided by: The Pointe Book |
| Thickened Toenails |
| A thickened toenail is grayish black or brown in color and occurs when the toe is constantly jammed by a pointe shoe. The pressure produces an additional layer of nail that in turn creates more pressure against the bed of the nail. Consult a podiatrist for treatment of thickened toenails. This information was provided by: The Pointe Book |
| Hammertoes |
| These are toes that curl or hook downward. This problem can either be inherited or it can be caused by wearing shoes that are too tight ot too short. Hammertoes may accompany a bunion. They frequently occur in people that have a longer second toe than their big toe or in people with a high arch. A protective U-shape pad can keep bent-up hammertoes from rubbing against the inside of the shoe and causing corns. A hammertoe can also be strapped with half-inch adhesive tape to the toes on either side during rehearsal or performance to take weight off of it. A podiatrist can guide you in strapping the toe. This information was provided by: The Ponite Book |
| Achilles Tendonitis |
| This can be caused by overwork or a bruised heel. Some dancers tend to protect their heels by not putting them down or pressure from an incorrectly fitted shoe, the elastic or a ribbon knot can all cause a strain on the Achilles tendon. Symptoms of Achilles Tendonitis include soreness along the length of the tendon, swelling, and severe pain especially when you releve. When told that it is safe for you to dance again, make sure you stretch out your tendon muscle first. Begin your barre work cautiously; at first avoid all releves, pointe work, and jumps. When you start to do these steps again, and you experience pain, immendiately sit down, relax, elavate your foot and apply ice. This information was provided by: The Pointe Book |