i just got on pointe shoes for dance and they Kill my feet. what do i do about it???

Question

i have very sensative feet..... i need some kind of pad to put in the bottom of it.

Answer 1

To help minimize pain and injuries from dancing en pointe, many dancers use lamb's wool "toe pads" or gel pads like the "Ouch Pouch" to cover their toes in the box area. Wads of lamb's wool and small gel pads are also used in certain areas where a dancer feels the most pain. Many dancers also use sports tape to tape around their toes in order to further prevent blisters and bruised toenails. However,professional dancers often use only tape, a small amount of paper towelling, or nothing at all, because they prefer greater freedom of movement and sensitivity.

Answer 2

It really depends on what your problem is. Did they tell you at your fitting that you have anything you need to watch out for? Also, what brand of shoes did you get?

They are going to hurt, and possibly for a long time. Especially if you can't get your padding worked out. Have your teacher check the fit and to troubleshoot where your problems are that could be causing pain.

If you got a regular pointe shoe, consider returning them for Gaynor Mindens. They are far more supportive and comfortable than standard pointe shoes. I couldn't live without mine. They are more expensive, but they last longer and you dont really have to break them in.

If you are simply sore, then yes, it will take time to break in your shoes and your feet. You can try an ouchpouch as mentioned before, but it won't alleviate poor fitting shoes.

If your big toe is shorter than your second, then you'll need a pad on your big toe to make it even.

If your joints are rubbing funny, use a molefoam tape or a corn pad over the spot. If you are getting blisters, sinply put athletic tape in the spots that rub.

If your toes are bunching together, get some toe spacers or use make-up wedges cut to fit your foot. This is very important as it can help to prevent bunions in later life.

Be sure your toenails are cut short - you will probably have to do this once a week at least. And make sure you aren't dancing more than a few minutes a week, and only at the barre, to start off with.

If you are still having severe pain in a few months, talk to your teacher again or to the dance store and see what they can recommend for you.

Good luck and have fun!!

Answer 3

Usually in dance....we tend to live by the "no pain, no gain" rule. Yes pointe will hurt and your feet will swell, ache, blister and feel like they are on fire but eventually the swelling goes down, the aches go away as your strength gains, blisters turn into calluses...things do get better with time. As far as gel pads go I would not recommend it. I am to be assuming correctly that you are a beginner on pointe? If you are you still need to feel the floor to make sure you are withholding proper placement of your feet and positioning as well...Gel pads are great once you have been on pointe for a while. I would wait at least 1/2 a year to put gel pads into my shoes if I were you because you don't want to jeopardize your technique!!! After your pointe class try a menthol rub and gently massage it onto your feet ...Wear slides or flip flops to let your feet air out. And yes, working the shank and box of your shoe may help. But it also may be that your shoes aren't fitting you correctly so I would also have that checked out as well....It will take time, but for the most part, the end result is being able to dance and execute moves beautifully and gracefully on pointe! Its a wonderful feeling!! Happy Dancing !!!

Answer 4

The wrong pointe shoe can cause much unwanted pain. Shoes that are too long or too wide can cause the foot to move inside the shoe. This will cause blisters from the shoe rubbing against your foot. Pointe shoes should fit like a glove. The box of the shoe is supposed to be an extension of your foot. The heel of the shoe should fit like skin. The shoe should need a little tug to get it on to be sure you have a good snug fit. always make sure the pointe shoe fits correctly and feels good when you are up on pointe. Your foot will slide forward when you get up on your toes if they are too big.

**** Here are some basic rules to follow when fitting for pointe shoes:
1- Minimal to no wrinkles should be in the box area of the shoe.
2- You should not be able to fit your pointer finger inside the edge of the box.
3- Pointe shoes should fit like a glove.
4- The heel of the shoe should feel like skin.
5- Always try both shoes on your feet.
(There is no right and left foot with pointe shoes)
6- You should not be able to move your foot around inside the shoes.
7- Make sure you stand on pointe completely to see how your shoes feel.

Answer 5

When I used to be on pointe, I used lamb's wool for my feet to kind of ease the pain. You have to dance a lot in a new pair of pointe shoes in order to break them in. Or you can use your hands and bend the shoes into a pointe yourself. Just use some padding and tape up your toes and you'll be fine.

Answer 6

If you got new shoes, they're probably not broken in yet. You should start by squishing the box gentilly, and working the shank back and forth. Also when you put on the shoes, do releves, and walk around in demi pointe as high as you can. This will suck for a while but it will stretch out the shoe.

As for padding, I suggest Ouchpouches by bunheads http://www.bunheads.com.

No matter what you do, pointe is never "comfortable" you just learn to ignore the pain.

Answer 7

They are going to hurt in the beginning, but you will get used to it if you keep going. Make sure you have the correct fit, and start with only 5-10 minutes at the barre.

When I first started, I used lambs wool and then ouch pouches. Now all I use is masking tape, (much cheaper than sports tape, and gives you more movement) on three toes and foam spacers between my first and second toes and my fourth and pinkie toes to prevent bunions and corns.

Answer 8

My advice, throw them away now, or start saving money for a Podiatrist later on. I use to dance in my sock feet until I developed a spur in the ball of my foot. I went to Wal-mart and bought insoles and started wearing athletic shoes. Wearing pointy shoes for a very long time will cause your toes to overlap and bunions.

Answer 9

Make sure that you are using the gel pad that u put at the top of the shoe.(where your toes are.) I am a dancer myself and shoes can get really irritating!!! Especially when u dance a lot!

Answer 10

Get used to it, or put some kind of pad in the bottom of it.