OUCH! Pointe dancer in pain; any help?

Question

I used to do pointe, but circumstances forced me to quit for the past three years. I've taken it up again and had my first class today - OW. Are my toes really supposed to hurt *this* bad? I literally teared up at one point (no pun intended). My toes are tapered, and I feel all of the pain and pressure in my big toe.

Any suggestions for:

1. thin-ish pointe shoe pads?

2. ways to build up a tolerance to pointe again?

3. strengthening exercises for my ankles?

Any and all advice would be helpful.

MANY thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Ouch! Maybe you should work on your foot strength before jumping back into it again. And thick padding sounds like a good idea lol. Try demi pointe for a bit maybe?

Answer 2

I know you said you have a wide foot, and the box fits it nicely, but make sure that the width isn't too wide, you want it to mold to your foot so that your foot doesn't sink into the shoe when you're up en pointe. You want to make sure you "stay lifted" in your shoes and keep your toes straight. You might've done this already, but also make sure you cut your toe nails. And it also helps me to thin out my nails a little by filing the nail bed. It relieves some of the pressure. These are the only things I can think of right now, sorry. But also to help with pain and the health of your feet, after pointe class you can soak your feet in ice and water. I usually fill a small basin with water, put my feet in, then add the ice. And I keep my feet in for about 5 more minutes after all of the ice melts. Or however long it takes for the water to get back to room temperature.

Good luck and hang in there!

Answer 3

To help relieve pain in your big toes, try something like Big Tips from Bunheads. I've used them for cushioning my big toes and I really liked them!



You can see various types of cushioning help on their website. I'm sure they're not the only ones who make stuff like this. You can shop around a bit, make price comparisons and check out product reviews from users.

http://www.bunheads.co.uk/

Answer 4

Firstly,are you wearing pointe shoes that are compatible to your feet-tapered toes,width of your feet?Don't just buy your poine shoes from catalogs because you can't try them on and really tell if your feet feels comfortable in them or not.Also you can "break in your pointe  shoes  so they don't feel too hard.There are also products that could cushion your toes like foam,pillows for pointes,gel toe pads.Also warm up good before you dance in pointe (plies,tondues,frappes etc.lots of leg work).That helps a lot with strengthening your ankles and your calves,wear warmers so your muscles get warm and you'd be able to feel comfortable when dancing in pointe (no leg cramps and tightness).

I do know how it is because my toes used to bleed and i'd put bandaids around them to cushion them.Of course that was a while back.

Answer 5

I try not to wear toe pads but I have heard that ouch pouches are really good the also make these little tiny ones that dont cover all of your toes but they go over an individual one. Some girls I know cut up ace bandages and wrap them around their toes. But for me I stick to orajel.. ( the toothpaste to numb your teeth) it works wonders. But I had to quit in order to have surgery but do a billion plie relives! It really helps your ankle also when you are sitting down point and flex your toes and draw out the alphabet =] I hope this helped

Answer 6

it takes time. pointe was never meant to be easy. It took me over 2 years to develop a little bit of tolerance to it.

1. ouch pouches work great for me. some girls put lambs wool in their shoes too for extra padding. maybe different shoes would help...I really recommend gaynor minden's. They are very padded and support your feet well.

2. just keep at it.

3. releves help soooo much. whenever you can do them, do them.

Answer 7

First of all, if you quit for three years, you can't just start doing pointe again. You need at least a year of regular ballet training to get your strength and technique back.

I use Ouch Pouches, which aren't too thick but give just enough padding. For your specific problem, you could try toe spacers between your big toe and second toe or a little extra padding just on your big toe. I know that they sell these little big toe pads that may help you on discountdance.com.

Answer 8

Even if you've been on pointe before you should't just rush into the centre on pointe.You should practice on the barre and maby get refitted for the shoes your feet may have changed shape. Sergical spirit also helps a lot it hardens the toes so you don't feel so much pain. Maby practice in demi-point again to soften the shoes and get some thicker toe pads!! I've just started on point and have had no pain so far (crossed fingers), but practice at home while listening to some of your favourite music to take your ming of the pain. You'll get used to it!!