From Dancer To Marathoner: How Hot-Cold Therapy Has Cured Numerous Foot Issues
In this article, I want to talk about the the similarities between dancers and marathon runners and how hot and cold therapy can help keep their feet healthy and pain-free. Whether you’re a dancer performing multiple pirouettes or a runner pounding the pavement during a marathon, it’s crucial to take care of your feet to prevent pain and injury.
I recently retired after dancing professionally and training for 32 years. I started young with Gymnastics, and gradually added more and more stressful activity onto my feet. As an adult, I’ve always enjoyed the mental and physical difficulty of marathon running. Being a dancer, and being a runner, have definitely brought on a few injuries: toe numbness, plantar fasciitis, sprains, stress fractures, you name it.
One way to manage my foot pain and discomfort has been through the use of hot and cold therapy. Both hot and cold therapy can provide benefits for various foot problems, such as plantar fasciitis and other types of pain and swelling. Hot therapy, such as using a heating pad or taking a warm bath, can help increase blood flow to the feet, reduce muscle tension, and provide pain relief. Cold therapy, such as using an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas, can help reduce inflammation and numb pain.
While hot and cold therapy can be a helpful tool for managing foot pain, it’s important to remember that it’s just one aspect of a comprehensive approach to foot health. Incorporating other strategies, such as wearing proper footwear, stretching and strengthening exercises, and taking care to prevent overuse injuries, can help keep your feet healthy and pain-free.
For marathon runners, it’s especially important to make sure that your shoes fit well and provide the right level of support for your feet. Going to a local independent running store for a personalized fitting experience can help ensure that you find the best shoes for your needs.
In conclusion, both dancers and marathon runners can benefit from taking care of their feet through a combination of proper footwear, stretching and strengthening exercises, and hot and cold therapy. By incorporating these strategies, you can help keep your feet healthy and pain-free, whether you’re performing a dance routine or training for a marathon.