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Ballet/Bruised toenails

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Expert: - 9/30/2010


Question
I am a professional dancer and I have a reoccurring problem with bruised toenails. I have had problems with badly fitting shoes in the past but I currently have a brand that fit my feet perfectly, so I know that this can't be the problem. I would like to know what else I can do to prevent them from occurring and making them more manageable once they appear. I have lost both my big toenails, and the new nail is already hurting and becoming bruised. I would appreciate any advice, though i know it is hard to do without seeing me dance. If it is helpful I do have pretty flexible feet but they are also pretty strong.  

Answer

Ballerina Gallery Phot
Hi Vinnie. Sorry about the delay. Once in a while something goes wrong with getting emails....sorry it was yours!

One thing a podiatrist can do is relieve pressure when a bruise first starts to form: I had a toenail drained once. The doctor made a tiny hole in the nail so fluid drained out, and it healed quickly with no loss of the nail.

He thought dancing in pointe shoes should be legislated against, so he didn't have any further advice for me.

Because you mentioned you have flexible feet, I am suspecting that you may be slightly over the front of the platform of your pointe shoes.

http://www.ballerinagallery.com/pic/kain01.jpg  In this picture see how Karen Kain's working foot is fully arched, but her supporting foot is held back so that she is on the platform of the shoe.

Here are some foot exercises you can use also, to get the strength and control for this ability, which you may already have, but need to increase:

http://balletshoesandpointeshoes.blogspot.com/2008/10/use-of-theraband-for-balle...

In a dire situation, there is nothing wrong with using pointe shoes half a size longer and pack in the padding. It doesn't hurt to do so for rehearsals so you get used to the feel, in case you ever need to wear the longer shoes for performing. You don't need to sacrifice your foot health over this.

This is my "distance" answer. I also recommend you see a podiatrist, take your pointe shoes and show the doctor how you stand in them. You may get another idea from that, as to how you can work better in your shoes.

Nutrition element if you're interested:

Arnica is a wonderful herb for bruises - it comes in an ointment, "Traumeel" and I've also seen it in oil, which is great to massage feet and muscles with. While it does have some soothing affect on the pain, its purpose is to help heal the soft tissues. It also comes in sub-lingual homeopathic tablets, easy to get.

Collagen C by Standard Process is a whole food supplement that is also involved in healing soft tissues.

I hope this helps! 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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