Terrible Foot Pain

[Guest sweetie]

I have a chronic foot condition called Plantar Fasciitis. I get pain in the arch of my foot usually when I am jumping but also sometimes when I do a lot of releves or walking. I have been to the doctor about it and he prescribed a topical creme, gave me some shoe/arch inserts, and told me to Rest/Ice/Compress/Elevate my feet. I also have been rolling them with a golf ball a lot. I've had this condition for about two years. I was wondering if there was anyway it could heal so I could continue dancing without having to stop in the middle of class because of pain. Sometimes I worry myself and tell myself that this condition just can't go away and I should just give up my dreams of dancing. BUT I love dancing...I could never stop. For the past 3 years, my life has revolved around it, but then I got plantar fasciitis and thats when I started have thoughts of the pain making me stop. Does anyone here know a way that I can continue dancing without pain and/or a way to heal my feet? Any replies would be greatly appreciated!

 

P.S. I'm sorry but I didn't really know what forum to put this in.

[Victoria Leigh]

This is the right forum, sweetie, but I wish I had a positive answer for you. This is a tough problem, and, besides rest, ice and anti-inflammatories, there really is no cure that I know of. You might need to stop dancing long enough for it to completely heal, as the continued work in ballet will continue to antagonize it and aggravate it. The topical cream probably won't do much, but the inserts might help. I really would suggest a second opinion from a different doctor on this, and then just make yourself take the time off from dance and get it better. This tends to happen most often with people who have very high arches and insteps and a lot of flexibility in their feet. Is this the case with you?

If so, you might also be able to work with a Pilates instructor and find the right strengthening exercises for this particular problem.

[Guest thumpinhippo]

Hmm...I just re-read this thread while thinking of starting my own. I know it seems a bit far-fetched but to calm my worries - I am coming up to an important exam and my ankle has been giving me a bit of trouble - rolling it slightly while dancing and it almost giving way beneath me (esp. in capbriole) Having only just gotten over my major fear of turning en pointe, this kind of made it relapse. Then I realised I have to get over my fear of injuring myself while turning as it was rather exaggerated...So i thought i was over it and went back to class after a short break and it was fine. But then today in class it gave way again and I thought it was the ankle but discovered later (after putting on pointe shoes) that there was constant pain concentrated in the arch/instep...could it be this Plantar F... that you're discussing or am i just worrying myself unnecessarily. And furthermore, should I consult someone about this? It's only been one class but the exam's getting really close...Oh and someone said it could just be strengthening or something...what are your thoughts? Thanks

[Victoria Leigh]

First, in response to sweetie, I checked with my Physical Therapist, and she said that Plantar Fascitis does respond to ultra sound and manual therapy. So, there is some hope there of a quicker recovery with treatment.

 

Thumpinhippo, I have no idea if you are over reacting to an idea, or if there is a possibility that you have the same problem. When there is unknown pain or strange weakness, then it needs to be seen by a doctor to determine the cause and the treatment.

[vicarious]

I'm aballet mom so I'm not sure if I should post here but here goes. DD's Ballet Mistress diagnosed my plantare fissitis and recommended an exercise that has helped tremendously. Stand on a stair step. Hold onto the hand rail. Place the ###### of the feet on the stair edge then dip the heal down. She said it will hurt worse (which it did) at first, but will improve over time. It took one year for hers to heal. I'm not a dancer and I got releif after a couple of weeks. (I flex and point all night in my sleep so that's what caused mine). I checked out her info online and found alot of sites about it and particularly this exercise. I also saw wraps especially for this. I don't have it bookmarked so I'll and find the sites again and put the URLs here.

[Swanilda]

Ice and ultrasound are your friends. The best thing is to freeze dixie cups of water and do ice massage. Be VERY sure you are working correctly, no rolling ever, because that can cause/worsen the problem. Be very sure to warm it up well before doing anything.

[Guest thumpinhippo]

I spoke to someone (not a doctor but a very anatomy-savvy older ballet student) about my foot today and we identified the problem to be with the tendon that runs along the arch and up and out towards the ankle (make sense?) She suggested the same things you, Ms Leigh, were saying about achilles tendonitis in the other thread.... Would that suggest that I too have tendonitis? Because it is an overuse injury but with this exam, it is not likely to get any less work any time soon...and I just have to get those fouettes under my belt Is there anything you could add to that ice/compression etc. treatment? Oh...I'm so worried...but the doctor charges way too much for a consultation so I am avoiding it if anything can be done on my part without his input. Also...how should one be strapping their foot in this situation? Thankyou, thank you, thank you!

[Victoria Leigh]

Not achilles tendenitis, thumpinhippo, but possibly plantar fascitis. This responds to ultra sound and manual therapy, but achilles tendenitis does not. I strongly suggest that you see a doctor and get a prescription for Physical Therapy. In the meantime, ice and rest and anti-inflammatory medication like Aleve or Advil, if you can take those safely. Follow the directions and DO NOT overuse them.

[mohnurka]

My heels used to hurt after a lot of walking or dancing. They wouldn't hurt if I just did nothing, but walking on them made them sore. Could that be Plantar Fasciitis too?

[Mel Johnson]

It could be a lot of things. Best rule is: If it keeps hurting, take it to the doc!

[Guest thumpinhippo]

The doc is definitely on my agenda but since down here it's a public holiday, today was not an option. Also, I don't think i can see one before a big rehersal I've got tomorrow so I have been told I should strap it any way that supports the arch. How is this usually done?

[Mel Johnson]

Trial and error, I'm afraid. If you've been told to support the ARCH, rather than the INSTEP, I'd run several strips of adhesive sports tape criss-cross under the foot, diagonal to the length of the foot. If it helps better, try that on the top of the foot. You'll just have to see where the tape gives you the support you need. It would be different if I were there to show you, but this is the best I can do here, in this format.

[Guest thumpinhippo]

Thanks! I actually had to go before i could read this post and i did something and it helped...

[floss]

Thumpinhippo, I have the impression that you are an Aussie. if so you could always go to your GP, or a sports medicine doctor for a referral to a physiotherapist who has experience working with dancers. You may not even need a referral in some cases, you or your parents could contact a physio to see if a referral is needed. Physios can instruct you in how to strap your feet for support. If you are in Sydney i can give the names of some good Sydney physios and sports medicine centres.

 

Moderators, a huge apology, I just realised this was YD, please delete if you wish.

[Guest Cballet4me]

Hi there. I have that same problem. I went to the docter and got some foot exercises to do and if I am correct, I think it might be an extra bone in your foot. Also, if you really want to do this but I highly don't recommend it since I've been okay with it, you could get surgery. Just make sure you ice it. Everyday.