Argentine Tango Foot Care Made Easy

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Argentine Tango Foot Care Made Easy

Foot Care

  • Veteran tango dancers know that wearing the right shoe is essential for both enjoyment and safety while dancing. This holds true for both men and women. With women, though the matter is even more important since many of the lead/follow elements of the dance will depend on the women’s ability to make precise movements without losing balance.
  • Always wear orthotic insoles in your shoes.
  • Take an Ibuprofen, Naproxen or Aspire before the dance.
  • To help protect your toes and reduce friction and rubbing as you dance, apply petroleum jelly to the problem areas so that your toes don’t stick to each other, or rub together.
  • Use an Overnight Treatment – petroleum jelly with cocoa butter can be used as an effective overnight cosmetic treatment for dry, cracked feet and heels as it helps create a sealing barrier, locking in the essential moisture your feet need to repair themselves.
  • Foot doctors recommend that women avoid wearing heels that are higher than 3 inches.
  • Try to put your weight on the centre of your foot as you dance.
  • Give yourself a quick food massage with a Tennis ball.
  • Use a Toe stretcher, it straightens & realigns problem toes.

Elevate your feet while resting when you get home.

Avoiding Trouble

Improving the circulation of blood to the feet can help prevent problems. Exposure to cold temperatures or water, pressure from shoes, long periods of sitting, or smoking can reduce blood flow to the feet. Even sitting with your legs crossed or wearing tight, elastic garters or socks can affect circulation. On the other hand, raising the feet, standing up and stretching, walking, and other forms of exercise promote good circulation. Gentle massage and warm foot baths can also help increase circulation to the feet.

Comfortable Shoes

Wearing comfortable shoes that fit well can prevent many foot ailments. Foot width may increase with age. Always have your feet measured before buying shoes. The upper part of the shoes should be made of a soft, flexible material to match the shape of your foot. Shoes made of leather can reduce the possibility of skin irritations. Soles should provide solid footing and not be slippery. Thick soles lessen pressure when walking on hard surfaces. Low-heeled shoes are more comfortable, safer, and less damaging than high-heeled shoes.

Corns, Bunions

  • Corns and calluses are caused by the friction and pressure of bony areas rubbing against shoes. A podiatrist or a physician can determine the cause of this condition and can suggest treatment, which may include getting better-fitting shoes or special pads. Over-the-counter medicines contain acids that destroy the tissue but do not treat the cause. These medicines can sometimes reduce the need for surgery. Treating corns or calluses yourself may be harmful, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

Bunions develop when big toe joints are out of line and become swollen and tender. Bunions may be caused by poor-fitting shoes that press on a deformity or an inherited weakness in the foot. If a bunion is not severe, wearing shoes cut wide at the instep and toes may provide relief. Protective pads can also cushion the painful area. Bunions can be treated by applying or injecting certain drugs, using whirlpool baths, or sometimes having surgery.

Hammertoes:

  • Hammertoe is caused by shortening the tendons that control toe movements. The toe knuckle is usually enlarged, drawing the toe back. Over time, the joint enlarges and stiffens as it rubs against shoes.
  • Your balance may be affected. Hammertoe is treated by wearing shoes and stockings with plenty of toe room. In advanced cases, surgery may be recommended.

Use a Toe stretcher, it straightens & realigns problem toes.

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