Feet problems

[Panache]

Oh, and I got really picky about shoes.

Whether or not you like "painkillers", one of the most important things that you can do is try to control inflammation. Once something gets aggravated, a cycle of inflammation starts and should be brought under control... start taking ibuprofens until I know that it's subdued.

I had was experiencing a lot of pain with what semed to be heel spurs and using cushioned insoles for my shoe, being picky about finding comfortaable shoes, and using ibuprofen to control inflamation (including taking a dose before SCD class) has made a huge difference.

It sounds like you don't like take medications but maybe this is an option you should rethink. Everything has pluses and minuses, you have to weigh them for each situation.

Hope you feel better soon.

Cheers


Jamie

[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.

[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.