Chani

I have had a look around the forum but I haven't found all the threads on sore feet I was expecting.


I have been experiencing painful feet ever since I had a bad asthma attack 5 years ago. Since that time I've been on a lot of asthma medication and have also had much worse asthma. I figured that they hurt either because of the asthma (perhaps my lung reflex points on my soles letting me know something is not right) or from the drugs (although I can't find anything on the Internet about them being related to feet pain). The reason I think this is because when my asthma is worse and I increase the dose of my medication, these are the times that my feet hurt the worst.

It's much worse in the morning. So bad I can't walk properly at first but it always eases off once I've been walking around for a bit. Now that I've started dancing it's really bad. They pretty much ache all the time and if I dance a lot they are killing me. As usual, it's worse when I first get up out of bed but they are hurting all day sometimes. The feeling is not unlike when I used to go out dancing all night in very high heels. The next day I'd have sore feet like this.

So, I wonder, do other dancers get sore feet generally, or just when they have overdone things? Could I be causing long term damage by continuing to dance while it's causing this pain? Maybe I should have them checked out but I'm not sure what kind of a doctor would be appropriate. Also, does anybody have any tips on how to relieve sore feet?

I am dancing either barefoot or with split sole jazz shoes. The rest of the time I usually wear Birkenstocks (very comfy and good for your feet) and I don't wear high heels.

Thanks in advance.

Chani

Gilana

It sounds like you have seen a doctor, so I won't suggest that.

Having been a dancer my whole life, and with over 20 years of that spent on pointe, I have horrible feet! However, over the years I learned to take care of them the best I can by doing a few simple things. I eat bananas for the potassium to prevent cramping; before I get out of bed in the morning I flex and point my feet for about 5 minutes; I keep a tennis ball or golf ball handy and roll it under my bare feet whenever I can for a few minutes; and I usually give myself a foot massage with peppermint lotion at night.

All these things were recommended by either my chiropractor or massage therapist, and they seem to be working just fine.

Good luck!

Chani

I've been to a dr for my asthma but have never mentioned my sore feet. It got worse gradually and by the time it was bad I was so used to it I just put up with it. However, dancing has added to the pain so it's time to get real and address the problem.

Thanks for those great suggestions. I'm looking forward to trying them out.

Chani

Shanazel

I have arthritis in my feet, which means they actually feel best once they are warmed up and dancing. Before and after can be pretty miserable, though, and I certainly sympathize with you. It is definitely time to see the doctor. Good luck and see the arthritis thread for lots of helpful comments- not to mention company for dancing with pain!

adiemus

Two things spring to mind first off Chani - one is that you may have 'flat feet' - and the activity is setting of the aches and pains, and the other is that you may have osteo arthritis.
Oh and another thing might be limited circulation in your feet leading to peripheral neuropathy. But it's more likely the first thing - you may well have flat feet and just need to use orthotics. Go and see a Doc, or perhaps an orthotist or even podiatrist.
I used to do ballet and know what you mean Gilana about rotten ballet feet!! Plus add in my parent's legacy of osteoarthritis, and my poor feet just don't like high heels - I live in flatties all year round, and if I can I get around in bare feet. Walking on sand is good if you can get to a beach, it really works the muscles and they get stronger, but otherwise it's a bit hard to do anything much. I stick mine in a footbath and echo the use of peppermint and massage!! Plus glucosamine and chondroitin can help...

__________________
He wahine, he taonga- Every woman is a treasure(Maori proverb)

Chani

Hi Shanazel,

Funnily enough I have noticed that my feet are also not so bad when actually dancing, too.

I'll check out the arthritis threads and yes, I must get my feet checked out by a doctor.

Chani

Gia al Qamar

Oy me too. I have to do a couple of foot/ankle stretches before walking...within seconds I'm fine...but if I lay down for 15 or more...stiff...stiff...stiff.
I've been taking glucosamine & chondroitin and it's helped my back, knees and feet!
Gia

Aniseteph

I'm sure we've had a feet thread....

I had plantar fasciitis once that made the underneath of my feet very sore. It didn't impair the movement but was a sort of bruised sore feeling, not nice to even walk on let alone dance. It got completely better with a lot of rest and anti-inflammatories.

BTW, some pain killers can worsen asthma symptoms, so if you are taking any for the feet it might be that affecting the asthma, rather than asthma affecting the feet. Just an idea. Definitely see the doctor.

Chani

Thanks you, Adiemus, for your thoughts on where the problem may stem from. I do plan on going to my GP (called MDs in the US I think) but that will have to wait until the New Year. I want to go with as much information as I can so he can refer me to the appropriate specialist. I looked up flat feet on Wikipedia and my feet seem to have a normal arch given that I leave a normal footprint and they look okay. I have always had dreadful circulation and cold feet so that's something to consider. Luckily, I live very close to the beach and I can think of nothing nicer than taking some walks with my family to see if it helps.

Hi, Aniseteph. I'm not taking anything for the pain, I tend to avoid anything if I can, but thank you so much for that info about asthma and pain medication. I had seen warnings on my husbands flu tablets about it and I'll be careful to always check labels from now on if I do need pain relief.

My wonderful children gave me a full feet treatment last night - foot wash, scrub and a massage with oils. Luffly.

Chani

Mariyam

Yep, plantar fasciitis it is. I've got the same from time to time when I walk/dance for a long period of time or intensively, blame it on my overweight body I usually do some plantar stretching exercises before I step out of bed, it helps reduce the pain when walking to the bathroom first thing in the morning As my body warms up and with proper footwear, the pain goes away. The problem is that bellydancing with orthotics isn't exactly graceful... I remember being in excruciating pain after a rather physically demanding workshop, I couldn't walk properly for days!!