How to Make a Sesaoid Pad

Check out this article posted by Jenny L. Sanders, DPM on podiatrytoday.com.

"Sesamoiditis can be a challenge for the physician and patient alike. A simple way to alleviate sesamoiditis is to fabricate an offloading sesamoid pad and attach it to the underside of your patient’s sock liner or shoe insole. In just a few minutes’ time, you can fabricate a sesamoid pad and provide relief for this annoying, painful condition. We use these pads on a daily basis and it is nothing short of revolutionary.

Whether patients have sesamoiditis or a sesamoid fracture, helping them get off the injured part can go a long way toward facilitating healing and getting them back to regular shoes or their sport.
The following video shows you how to do this. I use ¼-inch Plastazote but adhesive felt can also be an option.

To watch the video, access http://youtu.be/IkmNX6tkZiw ."

Top 3 Dance Injuries and How to Prevent Them

Most dancers are no stranger to injury.  Dance puts a lot of stress on your body and feet.  However, injury doesn't have to be a part of a dancer's life.  Check out this list of the top three dance foot injuries and learn how to prevent them.  Prevention is the key to having a long, healthy, and enjoyable dance career.

1. Achilles Tendinitis

• Increase Activity Level Gradually
• Choose Shoes Carefully
• Stretch daily - Try this ProStretch available through our Product Store.
• Strengthen Calf Muscles
• Cross Train

2. Sprained Ankle

• Warm-Up
• Use caution when on uneven surfaces
• Wear shoes that fit well and are made for dance;avoid heels
• Maintain your strength and flexibility
• Practice Stability training

3. Bruised Toenails

• Wear Shoes that fit properly
• Shop for you dance shoes in the afternoon or evening
• Ice your toes after class
• Make sure your socks are the right material and thickness

If you think you are injured, do not hesitate to go to a doctor.  Putting off treatment will cause an injury to worsen and increase the time you won't be able to dance. Call our office at 419-423-1888 to schedule an appointment.

Get Smart about Summer Intensives

For most serious young dancers, summertime means taking a break from your normal studio and heading somewhere new for a summer intensive.  Going to a summer intensive can be a great experience for any dancer filled with new teachers, new friends, and improvement.  If you are nervous about going away from your first time, you probably aren't alone!  Check out these tips from danceadvantage.net before you go.

• Find out as much as you can from your friends and other dancers who have gone to the same intensive.
• Your nerves will be eased a little if you know what to expect.  Most people will be happy to share their experiences with you.
• Read every correspondence packet from your school very carefully.
• You don't want to miss a beat! This will also help keep you in the loop so you know what to expect.
• Prepare mentally
• Think about your goals for the summer.  It is also a good idea to purchase a notebook so you can write down any notes or corrections you receive throughout the summer.
• Don't go with any preconceived notions
• This is sure to make you unhappy, just let things work out!
• Pack everything on your list --- compactly!

• Make sure you have everything you need, but nothing you don't.  It is no fun lugging huge bags of useless stuff around the airport or through the city. You can probably leave your prom dress and costume jewelry at home.  However, these Engo blister prevention patches are a great thing to have handy and are available through our online product store. Throw them in your dance bag to take to your classes just in case your shoes begin to bother you. 
• Bring something familiar from home
• Having a small token from home will help you when you get homesick.
• Up your activity level in advance
• This will help you prepare for the intense schedule that is demanded at a summer program. 

If you experience any pain while away, or before you go,  be sure to visit your podiatrist.  Call us at 419-423-1888 or visit our website to schedule an appointment.  It will be very difficult to improve your technique if you are dancing on injured or painful feet.

Keep Your Dancing Feet Healthy

Follow these 10 tips for keeping your feet happy, healthy, and ready to dance. 

1.Don't ignore foot pain. It is not normal. If you experience any type of persistent pain in the foot or ankle, please contact our office.


2.Inspect your feet regularly. Pay attention to changes in color and temperature. Look for thick or discolored nails (a sign of developing fungus), and check for cracks or cuts in the skin. Peeling or scaling on the soles of feet may indicate Athlete's Foot. Any growth on the foot is not considered normal.

3.Wash your feet regularly, especially between the toes, and be sure to dry them completely.

4.Trim toenails straight across, but not too short. Be careful not to cut nails in corners or on the sides; this can lead to ingrown toenails. Persons with diabetes, poor circulation, or heart problems should not treat their own feet, because they are more prone to infection.

5.Make sure that your shoes fit properly. Purchase new shoes later in the day when feet tend to be at their largest, and replace worn out shoes as soon as possible.

6.Select and wear the right shoe for each sport or activity that you are engaged in (e.g., running shoes for running).

7.Alternate shoes—don't wear the same pair of shoes every day.

8.Avoid walking barefooted. Your feet will be more prone to injury and infection. At the beach or when wearing sandals always use sunblock on your feet.

9.Be cautious when using home remedies for foot ailments. Self-treatment may turn a minor problem into a major one.

10.If you are a diabetic, please contact our office and schedule a check-up at least once a year.