Big toes won't point more

[rlyons]

 

http://www5.snapfish.com/snapfish/thumbnai..._NAME=snapfish/

 

I would appreciate an expert opinion on this matter, please?

My big toes have always been like this; they won't point further than this even when I strain to point my feet really well, unless I actually CURL the toe which I know is not good. Could this be problematic when I finally DO go on pointe?

Is it considered a bad thing?

 

Also, my podiatrist said that I have a bunion on the TOP of my feet, just bone, no redness or swelling....I never even knew I had these. You can see what he means on the right foot better; the thicker bony ridge. Could this be problematic?

 

One other thing, my doc said that I have a high arch when I always thought it was medium. What do you think? And I believe my instep is pretty good?

 

I have all this interest in my feet since visiting my podiatrist yesterday in regards to my sore big toe, which is only a little soft tissue damage by the way.

[Hans]

I do not think a toe shaped that way would cause problems, but I am not 100% sure--when possible, you should probably ask your teacher and podiatrist just to be entirely certain. As far as I know, a bunion on the top of the foot should not cause a problem with pointe work.

 

Your arch and instep are just fine for pointe, and I am glad to hear that your toe injury is minor!

[rlyons]

Thanks Hans! So many folks seem to have those teensy little toes that can point all the way down...I was feeling inadequate!!! Or overly adequate, perhaps! ;)

[vrsfanatic]

I did not join snapfish to see all three photos, so I am only speaking from the 1st photo. I suppose I have a question first before responding to your question. Could you show a photo of what you consider "curling" your toes to be?

 

Since you are studying ballet/pointe as an adult student, may I recommend that you not become so involved with the concerns of someone pursuing ballet as a profession? Perhaps your goal as an adult student of ballet might need a bit of a reality check. Enjoy the ballet. It has much to offer. Strive to be the best that you can be. Adult ballet students are able to achieve so very much. The passion and physical development of a student choosing to study ballet at an age where a professional career is not under consideration, is an example for all to admire. Be proud of yourself in all that you are able to achieve.

[rlyons]

vrsfanatic,

I have added a picture I found of what I believe to be curling toes ( you will have to join snapfish to see though...sorry)...not mine, obviously as mine won't do this.

I really am just the kind of person who likes to immerse myself in what I do..I am a painter and I am also a lover of ballet and I am actually combining the two loves by painting feet,arms, muscles, etc... so like to understand how the body works.

I have no dillusions of grandeur...the most I want from my classes is to be the best I can be, not the sugar plum fairy:)

But my teacher said that I will be good to go on point eventually, so I am just very excited about this.

I also want to make sure that my feet will not suffer from this pursuit; that they are the right type of feet, namely.

And I am proud of myself, thanks! ;)

I have come very far in a short time.

[vrsfanatic]

While you are curling your toes in the 4th picture, I think you might find that the pointe shoe will not allow you to curl to such an extent. You also do continue to use your instep and arch. This is a plus. In order to know how your feet look in a pointe shoe, you really would need to see it on an x-ray. Please understand, I do not think that is necessary! Stop worrying so much and see how it is on pointe!

[rlyons]

vrsfanatic, I will not worry, thanks:) How did you know I was a worrier!!??? LOL!;) It is that obvious!!!

[Mel Johnson]

And remember, at this time, pointe is still a good ways off. Training may very well modify what your foot looks like and how it works. Let's not burn our bridges before we come to them.

[swantobe]

Any ideas on how one could persuade a doctor to let one have X-rays of one's foot en pointe? I would never actually do that but it would be interesting...

[rlyons]

swantobe,

I bet my podiatrist would do it! How interesting that would be! If you have a genuine concern about how your shoes fit, he might be open it it

[Serendipity]

I know mine would. I've been apparently his education into the world of the older dance student! LOL!

[BarreTalk]

Any ideas on how one could persuade a doctor to let one have X-rays of one's foot en pointe? I would never actually do that but it would be interesting...

 

Let's hope your doctor would pass up the opportunity to expose your body to X-rays that aren't medically necessary.

[jadey]

Your big toe is exactly like mine... nothing helpful to add, I'm afraid, only that I sympathise with your concerns over this, I think about it often!

[rlyons]

Jadey, are you on pointe and if so...does the toe affect your dancing? Have you been able to train yourself to point the toe atall?

I can point from my ankle and foot very well but the poor toe...just loves to point the wroing way

[jadey]

No I'm not, although I would love to be one day! When I took ballet as a kid I was always singled out as an example of a well pointed foot, though, and I'm sure it would've been the same back then - do your dancing shoes help it point the right way? Mine is less obvious when it's inside a shoe!