“When can I start dancing again?” asked the salsa dancer.
“As soon as you give up those high heels!” I replied.
She looked at me coldly. I know I shouldn’t have said it. I know this battle cannot be won.
This probably won’t surprise you: you can’t tell a salsa dancer that she can’t wear “cute” shoes. Regardless of how hard they are on the feet and how much damage they do to these critical structures, a woman will continue to insist on wearing her 5 “Jimmy Choos, because it is not just shoes, it is a salsa experience.
Shoes are such an important component of dance that many women will continue to wear them despite severe pain, knowing all the time that their choice of shoes will lead to unavoidable surgery for years to come. Therefore, it is useless trying to convince them to try on a different shoe. Instead, I prefer to focus on what we can control: its relentless side effects.
The problem with high heels is not that they necessarily because a condition that will occur. However, they can make a mild or unnoticed and in many cases intolerable condition much worse. Because the force of the body is applied to the metatarsals and toes, we commonly see ballerinas with hard corns and calluses, bunions, hammer toes, neuromas, and bone spurs on the toes. The sad truth is this: high heels will make any of the aforementioned conditions worse. Therefore, if you are not willing to give up your shoes, you should be prepared to manage symptoms or opt for an outpatient surgical procedure to correct the misaligned structure.
Some things you can do for maintenance:
File your calluses and corns – With corns and corns, maintenance is the key. Shave regularly so it doesn’t get painful, but be sure to leave behind some calluses. Remember: the reason your body produces a corn is to protect the skin from friction. You can try this yourself or see your podiatrist, who will shave just the right amount.
Invest in Moleskin – You can buy adhesive-backed moleskin at your local drugstore. Wear it to prevent your toes from pressing against each other or rubbing against the sides of your shoes. Place this moleskin on the “hot spots” and see if you feel any relief. The tops of the toes are another place where moleskin can be effective.
Practice on Jazz floors – While jazz flats present their own problems (such as plantar fasciitis due to lack of arch support), they can keep constant pressure off the toes. Depending on your specific conditions, consider switching between jazz heels and flats while practicing.
Wear your braces – When not on the floor, be sure to wear a well supported shoe with a custom orthotic insert. Placing your feet in an ideal position while not dancing can help your general condition when there is pressure.
Much of finding a solution for a dancer (without seeing a doctor) involves trial and error. As you search for the best solution to keep you on the ground, remember that pain is your body’s way of telling you that something is wrong. If you don’t address the problem, it will get worse. The best thing to do is seek professional medical advice if the condition does not heal or becomes chronic. Many dancers avoid seeing a professional because they fear the word “surgery.” However, this fear is irrational. Podiatric medical procedures have advanced significantly in recent years. Most surgeries for dance-related problems (if treated early) are minor and may require only one suture. See a podiatrist for a consultation (many provide this service for free). The knowledge you gain could save your dance career!
