As dancers well know, feet can be the most vulnerable part of the body. When too much pressure is applied to the foot due to repetitive motion, injuries occur not only to the feet, but to the knees, hips, and other areas of the body. With the correct type of dance shoe inserts, pain can be eliminated, injuries can be healed, and stability can be increased. There are many types of dance shoe inserts, all of which can be used by anyone. The following problems can be alleviated by the wide range of inserts available on the market: pronation, supination, weak arches, bunions, toe misalignment, tendonitis, ball of the foot abrasion, thinning of fat on the soles of feet, and overly narrow heels. Besides relieving chronic pain, inserts will increase endurance and performance.
What to Look for
Depending on what part of the foot needs attention, there are a variety of solutions found in most dance shops, online or in many drug stores. Sole inserts protect the ball of the foot and the metatarsal from abrasion. Arch lifts relieve pressure in this area as well as on the toes. Heel rims will absorb and dissipate the shock of the heel striking hard surfaces, and heel cups are ideal for relieving pressure or for resolving problems due to narrow heel width. Heat-molded support inserts are ideal, as they adjust to the nuances of your particular foot. Ballet dancers will find great relief from the impact of dancing in toe shoes by inserting neoprene dance pads in the shank area of the shoe and gel or foam pads in the toe. Silicone gel space makers can be placed between the first two toes to align the big toe with the joint for bunion prevention and for use with long toes. Jelly tips can be used to alleviate pressure when en pointe, preventing toenails from bruising, and gel coated elasticized fabric tubes are available to cover toes with bunions. Slip-in insoles are ideal for dancers who wear heels such as character or tango shoes and can be glued into the soles to provide cushioning and comfort. Orthotic arch supports can be placed in any type of shoe and are also ideal for marathon runners and athletes.
Common Pitfalls
Dancers will often turn to podiatrists or physicians for custom orthotics. Though ideal for procuring custom inserts, treatment through medical orthotics can often be costly for those on a budget. It is best to see what is available in the marketplace first. Be sure you speak to a knowledgeable salesperson for appropriate guidance. Make sure your inserts fit properly as they can exert excess pressure on an area if they are not sized appropriately. Some generic inserts or insoles are not made sturdily enough to do the job. Be sure to do your research and do comparison shopping at reputable stores that carry dance shoe inserts.
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