Dr Foot Discussion

[Dr Foot]

I do irish dancing which is very intense on the feet. You do moves that involve you to come out of a jump and put all your weight onto the top/front part of yout foot. Anyway I was getting pain around my big toe joint and allup the front of my foot so i had 4 weeks off. It stopped hurting so i went back to dancing today but it just started hurting again- this time not so much on my big toe joint but all over the top/inside of my foot. I went to the podiatrist and had an x ray but they cant find anything wrong with it. I'm confused and frustrated. I have the national championships in 8 weeks and if i want to do well i really have to get back into dancing but this injury is a big obstacle which i really want to get rid of. PLEASE HELP!!

[Dr Foot]

Sounds like tendonitis, which is inflammation of the tendon. You need to alternate warm and cold heat to the area using a microwavable and freezer pack (click below for an example) you also need insoles to reduce pressure on the inner arch.

https://secure5.easyspace.com/www.drfoot.co.uk/acatalog/copy_of_copy_of_copy_of_Reusable_Cold_Hot_Gel_Packs.html

It could take anything from 4-12 weeks for total healing. If it is painful to dance on then you have to rest it for at least 4 weeks. People often return to activity too quickly after tendonitis and the problem can become long term and chronic. You have 8 weeks before nationals and I would recommend you visit a physiotherapist and a podiatrist for orthotics and light massage to the area. It may be a good idea to visit a different podiatrist for a second opinion.