“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 “nice” shoes. Regardless of how hard they are on the feet and how much damage they do to these critical structures, a woman will still insist on wearing her 5″ ‘Jimmy Choos’ because they’re not just shoes. They’re an integral part of the salsa experience.
Shoes are such an important component of the dance that many women will continue to wear them despite intense pain, knowing that their choice of footwear will lead to inevitable surgery for years to come. Therefore, it is useless to try to convince them to try 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 cause a condition for it to occur. However, they can make a mild or unnoticed condition much worse and, in many cases, intolerable. Because the force of the body is applied to the metatarsals and toes, we commonly see ballerinas with calluses and corns, bunions, hammertoes, neuromas, and bone spurs on their toes. The sad truth is this: high-heeled shoes will worsen any of the aforementioned conditions. Therefore, if you are unwilling 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 calluses – With calluses and calluses, maintenance is the key. Shave them regularly so they don’t get painful, but be sure to leave some of the callus behind. Remember: the reason your body produces a callus 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 – Adhesive-backed moleskin can be purchased at your local pharmacy. Use it to keep 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 experience any relief. The tops of the toes are another place moleskin can be effective.
Practice on Jazz floors – While jazz flats come with their own issues (such as plantar fasciitis due to lack of arch support), they can prevent constant pressure from your toes. Depending on your specific conditions, consider switching between heels and jazz flats while you practice.
Wear your braces – When you are not on the ground, be sure to wear a well-supported shoe with a custom orthotic insert. Placing your feet in an ideal position while you’re not dancing can help your overall condition when pressure is on.
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 him on the ground, remember that pain is his body’s way of telling you something is wrong. If you don’t address the problem, it will get worse. Your best bet is to 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.” This fear is, however, irrational. Podiatric medical procedures have advanced significantly in recent years. Most surgeries for dance-related problems (if treated early) are minor and may only require a single suture. See a podiatrist for a consultation (many provide this service for free). The knowledge you gain could save your career as a dancer!