I haven't done a full-blown dance-related post in a very long time. Today, I feel that it's time for me to return to my roots and share a quick excerpt from A Dancer's Diary on how to protect your dancing feet while en pointe.
It is so important that dancers who are en pointe properly protect their feet while dancing. Use proper padding such as toe tape, toe wrap, pointe pads, toe separators, and lamb’s wool. It is also important to have Band-Aids available for any injuries.
Proper padding and protection will help your feet in the long run. I recommend Pillows for Pointe Gel Tip Toe Pillows, Ouch Pouch by Bunheads, Lamb’s Wool by Freed of London, Bunheads Toe Tape, and Gaynor Minden Toe Wrap Foam Tape.
A lot of dancers tend to put Advil gel on their toes in order to reduce pain from pointe shoes. Because your skin absorbs everything that is placed on the surface, you want to avoid using NSAIDs for pain. You will remember from chapter 2, that NSAIDs can cause long-term health complications.
Your skin absorbs everything which is why using NSAIDs on the surface of the skin can affect you the same way as taking a pill internally. Instead of using the Advil gels, I recommend that you try a cayenne ointment. Cayenne contains capsaicin, which is an anti-inflammatory compound found in hot peppers. Try mixing 2 tablespoons of cayenne and ½ cup coconut oil together in an air-tight container. Apply a little to your source of pain when needed.
If you would like to know more about everything mentioned in this small excerpt, feel free to check out my book, A Dancer's Diary. It's filled with helpful information for dancers of all ages and skill levels.
What are some recommendations that you would have as a dancer?
Until next time,
Amanda
The quotations in this post are copyright and are not to be reproduced in any form unless given express permission by the author. Thank you!
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