arch keeps cramping (one of my kid's)

[v-girl]

My 15 year old ballerina has been having problems with her arch cramping on her right foot. She drinks plenty of water. She rolls it out and stretches like her teacher told her, but continues to have it happen. Any thoughts? Our ped isn't exactly an expert on treating dancers. So, who do I call or can we treat this at home?

[GreyhoundsRUs]

I had this when I was about her age. Mine would run through the arch and pull my toe. Maybe it's a growing thing? I would think either sports med or PT - sports might be a good place to start!

[Thirteen]

Bone spur?


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[v-girl]

Her feet have stopped growing. It seems to happen when she wears pointe shoes (3-7 days a week).


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[Sheherezade]

If look in to sports medicine, frankly. It's an overuse injury or repetitive motion thing most likely. If her instructors can't address it, I'd ask for a referral to a foot specialist/sports med center.

[Pollyanna]

If look in to sports medicine, frankly. It's an overuse injury or repetitive motion thing most likely. If her instructors can't address it, I'd ask for a referral to a foot specialist/sports med center.

This. Have her do only flat work for a few days to a week and see if she sees improvement. Does she have a break between the regular dance season and summer intensives?
Oh! And make sure she is getting enough calcium.

Good luck!!!

[Pollyanna]

See if you have anyone near you associated with the IADMS.

[v-girl]

She performs Sunday and Monday for recital. Then she has a performance June 6th. She will likely have a small break in there, but they will have some rehearsal for the June 6th performance.

[TulipsAndSunscreen]

Is it really cramping or an injury? If it's truly cramping, try more potassium (bananas!) and she could sleep with a plantar faschitis sock on to keep her foot flexed and not pointing in her sleep?

[JDAZ11]

Is it really cramping or an injury? If it's truly cramping, try more potassium (bananas!) and she could sleep with a plantar faschitis sock on to keep her foot flexed and not pointing in her sleep?

I've used one of these PF socks, and had decent results. It sounds like the start of PF to me, but I'm sure it could be a dozen other things. If it is PF, a good PT will take of it if you catch it early. She should be rolling out her calves/whole lower leg too and rolling out/stretching her hamstrings as much as possible. But I can't imagine that toe shoes are good for it at all. She may need a break.

Anyway, I would go to a sports med/ortho foot/podiatrist to get x-rays and/or an MRI (stress fractures won't show up on the x-rays if I remember correctly). Once you know it isn't a stress fracture or something more serious, she can find a good PT.

If you don't have luck finding a dr through dance affiliations (which should be your first move, in my opinion) you may want to look on the website for a local running club, they usually list doctors that really understand athletes.

She can also try coconut water for potassium.

[v-girl]

I called the university appointment scheduler and they scheduled her with a podiatrist. Sports med is in the same building so I guess if they have to send her there it won't be difficult. I'm going through the university because the co-pay is only $10. I'm cheap.

[v-girl]

She does use the foam roller to roll out her calves and thighs after class and in the mornings. She sleeps with her toes pointed...legs in passe. So does her sister. They are ridiculous.

[HouseofWool]

I called the university appointment scheduler and they scheduled her with a podiatrist. Sports med is in the same building so I guess if they have to send her there it won't be difficult. I'm going through the university because the co-pay is only $10. I'm cheap.

I would skip the podiatrist and go directly to an ortho that specializes in sports medicine. Podiatrists are great for diabetic foot care and things like plantar warts, plus a few others, but I am not a fan for actual orthopaedic issues.

[GreyhoundsRUs]

I would skip the podiatrist and go directly to an ortho that specializes in sports medicine. Podiatrists are great for diabetic foot care and things like plantar warts, plus a few others, but I am not a fan for actual orthopaedic issues.

+1. Or an ortho foot doc.

[v-girl]

I have to go with who will see her at the university or prepare to pay a fortune. If the podiatrist can't do anything, he will pass her along yo the sports med dept.


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