Dancers Know How to Prevent and Treat Foot Arch Pain

Dancers frequently suffer from dull arch pain often after tedious rehearsals.  Dance Magazine, shares what 2 podiatrists have to say about prevention tips and treatment advice.

See what these podiatrists have to say:

• "Arch pain in dancers is commonly triggered by overuse of the intrinsic foot muscles in the sole of the foot. Properly strengthening the muscles surrounding this area will prevent fatigue, and thus soreness, says Atlanta-based podiatrist Dr. Frank Sinkoe.  Another culprit could be tendonitis of the peroneal tendon on the outer side of the foot, instigated by forcing turnout, Sinkoe says. This tendon, which attaches to the underside of the foot, can aggravate the arch if you're not properly engaging your turnout muscles in the hips, and instead forcing it in your feet."
• Dr. Thomas Novella, a Manhattan-based podiatrist who specializes in dance injuries," notes that weak calves may get fatigued early in class, causing the muscles in your toes to pick up the slack. When this happens, you'll likely feel the after-effect in your arches."

Try these exercises to prevent sore arches:

• intrinsic foot strengthening exercises like relevés in shank-less pointe shoes, and flexing and pointing the toes using the resistance of a Thera-Band
• practicing exercises that target the external hip rotators, to help strengthen them enough to properly engage when you turn out
• consider the foot doming exercise to keep your toes strong
• try barefoot single-leg relevés on a half foam roller (with the flat part on the floor) to strengthen your calves
  

And to treat it, rest is always the best cure and don't think that working through the pain is beneficial.  Work on strengthening the muscles around the arch and make sure when working on your turnout that you are only rotating as much as your hips allow.

As with any medical considerations, please consult your medical professional for personalized treatment.

For more details and instructional videos:  How to Prevent and Treat Foot Arch Pain, According to Podiatrists

Image Credit:  Future Stars Camp