Banana Feet Posted October 24, 2003 Report Share Posted October 24, 2003 I've been having a lot of trouble with my calves lately, which eventually ended up leading to tendonitis. I know a few calf stretches (like ones on the wall and stair hanging) but I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions about how to keep my calves from knotting up! They hurt the most after jumping in modern and jazz, but they don't hurt much at all during ballet. Is it just the difference in jumping or is it that I'm just more used to jumping in ballet since I take TONS more ballet classes?? Thanks! Quote Link to comment
Mel Johnson Posted October 24, 2003 Report Share Posted October 24, 2003 Since you have a history of tendinitis, you should head back to your doctor who treated you last time, and chase down the cause of your symptoms. Some people who have problems with knotting leg muscles are simply dehydrated. Make sure you are well-watered before class. And cramping feet and legs can also be a sign of a transient potassium shortage. Eat a banana and drink some orange juice about an hour before class. If the symptoms continue, to the doc! Quote Link to comment
Administrators Victoria Leigh Posted October 25, 2003 Administrators Report Share Posted October 25, 2003 Perhaps some regular massage work on your calves would help, too. If this persists, and seems to happen only with jazz and modern, start examining the classes and see if you can figure out what, where, when and why it is happening there and not in ballet. It's possible that there are some movements that you are doing incorrectly, or just some movements that your legs are not ready to do at the time they happen in the class....ie, proper warm up procedures. Quote Link to comment
Dolphingirl Posted October 25, 2003 Report Share Posted October 25, 2003 That's been happening to me too- my PT has told me that my calves are not very strong, and so I've been told to do lots and lots of releves, but my calves still cramp super quickly, and just remain fatigued. I've been eating more bananas lately, but overall, it's not really improving. Are there other calf-strengthening exercises that I can do? Quote Link to comment
Banana Feet Posted October 25, 2003 Author Report Share Posted October 25, 2003 thanks so much!!! Our jazz class has changed, so there is little technique in it anymore. We barely warm up and I'm sure that doing saute de chats and side leaps (ugh) in addition to other leaps is not very good for them. Thank goodness for my massager Quote Link to comment
Administrators Victoria Leigh Posted October 25, 2003 Administrators Report Share Posted October 25, 2003 That's okay, IF your jazz class follows a ballet class. If not, then a proper warm up is essential. Quote Link to comment
Guest Tarantella Posted October 26, 2003 Report Share Posted October 26, 2003 Hi, I have had some problems with tight calves too and I find that it helps to put a heating pad on them and then use your hands to massage the knots out. I also think the dehydration thing is true. I had tendonitis and went to PT where I bought this calf stretcher thing that is basically an inclined board. I have no idea where you get them because I got mine at PT but maybe if you looked online you could?? Anyway...I hope this helps Oh also was told by my PT that hanging off steps is bad and I cannot remember why but I'll try to find out... hmmmm.... Quote Link to comment
Banana Feet Posted October 26, 2003 Author Report Share Posted October 26, 2003 really? So many people have told me to hang off steps. Quote Link to comment
Guest Tarantella Posted October 27, 2003 Report Share Posted October 27, 2003 I am not sure but I am going to physical therepy now so I will remember to ask when I go Maybe it was somethng like how you do it...lol for some reason I just can't remember! Quote Link to comment
Mel Johnson Posted October 27, 2003 Report Share Posted October 27, 2003 At least one of the reasons is that you don't want to lose your footing and slide down the stairs on your shins! Quote Link to comment
Banana Feet Posted October 27, 2003 Author Report Share Posted October 27, 2003 oww!!! That would definately keep you off of dancing for awhile! Quote Link to comment
Guest Tarantella Posted October 27, 2003 Report Share Posted October 27, 2003 That's quite a good reason!! Oh yeah...I haven't gone to PT yet, that is tomorrow so I will let you know what she says...in the mean time, sliding down the stairs on your shins doesn't sound much fun!! Quote Link to comment
Guest tdancer Posted October 28, 2003 Report Share Posted October 28, 2003 puting a tennis ball under your calves and rolling it around helps alot. or at least it does for me. Quote Link to comment
Guest Terin Posted October 28, 2003 Report Share Posted October 28, 2003 Thats interesting, I've heard of that for feet, but never for calves... I'll have to try it! Quote Link to comment
Guest Tarantella Posted October 28, 2003 Report Share Posted October 28, 2003 Ohhh no!!!! I am so sorry!!! I went to PT and there was so much traffic that I was 20 minutes late and I completely forgot about asking... I have been trying to remeber and I am pretty sure it was something about how it puts so much stress on the bones of your foot and can end up creating more problems. I'm not sure but whatever it was...I don't hang off steps anymore. I am really sorry but I wish I knew her exact words!! Quote Link to comment
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