The One About the Painful Bunions

Posted on by

Dear Dance Diva,

I think I may have bunions or possibly osteo-arthritis in the great toe joints on both of my feet. They are chronically stiff and swollen which makes dancing incredibly painful. Any suggestions on how to get rid of this problem or at least cope with it? Quitting dancing is not an option!

Painful Peds

 

Dear Painful Peds,

I feel your pain. First off, make sure to invest in a good pair of proper fitting dance shoes and wear toe spacers between your great toe and second toe when you dance. Wear five-toe gel spacers and elevate your feet when you settle in for the evening. I wear mine to bed and even if they don’t stay in between my toes all night long, my feet feel so much better in the morning (Yoga Toes GEMS/5-Toe Gel Stretcher and Separators available on Amazon).

Alternate between applying ice and heat (either a heating pad or hot soaks with epsom salt) to reduce swelling, stiffness and pain. You may also try massaging topical arnica gel, warm olive oil, warm castor oil or the juice of a red pepper into the bunion, toes and foot for fifteen minutes twice daily. Use OTC pain medications as directed when all else fails. 

For more information on bunions and detailed instructions for care and treatment, click HERE.  

Bunions and arthritis can be very serious. If your foot/toe pain persists or increases, consult an orthopedic surgeon or podiatrist.

Dance Diva

Need advice? Get in touch…

We will keep your identity and personal information private. What clever alias would you like to use in stead of your real name?
DISCLAIMER: By submitting a question to this website, you agree to this disclaimer and grant permission, to those acting as or on behalf of The Dancing Housewife and Dear Dance Diva to publish your question and the answer on this site or elsewhere including print publications. Your full name, email address or any personal information you may disclose will never be published or posted. Due to the large number of questions received, there is no guarantee that a question will be answered or published on the site. Advice offered and opinions expressed in this column are intended for entertainment and informational purposes only. Use of this column is not intended to replace or substitute professional advice. If you have specific concerns or a situation in which you require legal, psychological, medical or any specialized professional help, you should consult with an appropriately trained and qualified specialist. The advice offered and opinions expressed in this column are not intended to treat or diagnose; nor are they meant to replace the treatment and care that you may be receiving from a licensed professional, physician or mental health professional. This column, its author, owner and publisher are not responsible for the outcome or results following any advice in any given situation. You, and only you, are completely responsible for your actions.

 

 

Copyright 2017 The Dancing Housewife All Rights Reserved

 

 

 

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *