Pointe Shoes & Feet

       Starting on pointe is one of the most important and exciting time for a dancer. They have to have a strong back, ankles, and legs in order to fully support themselves while their dancing. However, while being on pointe is very fun, because you get to learn new things and challenge yourself to a new level, it can have several consequences, mainly for your feet.

     The most common ailment to dancers feet are blisters. A blister is usually preventable by taping  your toes before putting on your pointe shoes. While this is a pain-staking process, it is very effective. Bunions are usually caused when your pointe shoes are too small and too much pressure is applies to the side of the big toe, forcing it inwards towards the other toes. Bunions may be treated with changes in shoe gear, different padding, rest, and several icings. In-grown toe-nails are another one of the common problems of dancers. They are again mainly caused by poor fitting shoes with inadequate room in the box of the shoes. Most often you can treat it by soaking your foot in warm water and salt soaks, and antibacterial ointment.

      As you can see, most problems are caused by poor fitting shoes, but most of them can be easily fixed by home remedies and a new pair of shoes!

 Ballet is sweat, tears, blood, blisters, time, money, and competition, but the most important part is to always have fun!