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Ballet/Foot pain associated with pointe shoes

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Expert: - 10/21/2008


Question

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I'm 21 and danced for 17 years. Since I was 2, all I can remember was about 15-20 hours of ballet, jazz, lyrical, tap, pointe, etc. About a year ago I badly hurt the ball of my left foot, and was on crutches for about 2 months. (I was constantly wearing heels to my 8 hour days at work.) I also believe to have some "not fun" in-grown toe nails on my two large toes from pointe, I always feel the pressure. I had one in-grown removed so it wouldn't return about five years ago. I stopped dancing about 3 years ago and miss it TERRIBLY. I have a new pair of pointe shoes because I miss it so much. (Even though it hurts to have them on for more than 3 minutes!) What all can I do, IF you believe I should, get back into pointe? I am also worried about long term effects.

Answer
Your situation seems complicated Staci. Since you have not danced for 3 years, you definitely should not go onto pointe now.

If you were to return to ballet 2-3 times a week and get back into shape  as you were before, say for a year, then perhaps you could consider pointe work.

But that would only be recommended if you had resolved the ingrown toenails. That pain will always be there if you don't. I would see a podiatrist for that problem. Removal does not always solve the problem, as you already know.

Also, high heels come with their own problems, as you already know. You must wear sensible shoes that don't cramp your feet in any way, or distribute your weight badly, as all high heels do.

Don't give up dancing if you love dance. Pointe work will be an "If" for you. I would keep those pointe shoes on the shelf for now.

I suspect that you had been wearing pointe shoes that were too small in some way. Sometimes pointe shoes need to be bigger, and padding should be worn. You are smart to worry about long term effects.

I would call all the podiatrists in your area until you find one who has a non-surgical solution to in-grown nails. Do your best to find one who has experience with ballet dancers. Call the ballet studios near you too and see if they have a poditrist they recommend.

All the best, Dianne  

Dianne M. Buxton

Expertise

I can answer questions about ballet positions, ballet movements and ballet technique, pointe shoes and pre pointe exercise, mens training, ballet diet, general health issues related to dance, artistry, performance, modern dance, rehabilitation from injuries, and teaching ballet. I have taught ballet, choreographed, produced and directed dance companies. For any answers related to health questions I will offer my experience, and give references to information, but I also automatically include "see a professional".

Experience

dancer, ballet and modern, choreographer, dance teacher, artistic director, ballet mistress, producer

Organizations
I.S.T.D. Actra, Actors Equity

Publications
http://ezinearticles.com http://ballettoeshoes.blogspot.com http://streetarticles.com http://balletconnections.com

Education/Credentials
Graduate of the National Ballet School of Canada where I studied Cecchetti, Bournonville, Vaganova and Graham technique. Taught at the National Ballet School of Canada, York University, George Brown College and Harvard University.

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