For Dancers?

Question:I have been having problems with my left Achilles tendon for the past year. It hurts every time I point that foot and also when I go up on pointe on that foot, so I haven't been able to fully point it. I have asked my teacher about it and she says I should stretch it out before classes and stuff. If anyone has had any experience on this, or has any stretches that would help I would really appreciate your advice.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I have been having problems with my left Achilles tendon for the past year. It hurts every time I point that foot and also when I go up on pointe on that foot, so I haven't been able to fully point it. I have asked my teacher about it and she says I should stretch it out before classes and stuff. If anyone has had any experience on this, or has any stretches that would help I would really appreciate your advice.

sounds like you have an inflamed achilles tendon. I would have it looked at so that it doesnt tear. In the meantime, take some motrin before class and make sure you stretch that achilles tendon. I left a link below for some stretches.

try to make your foot bend while rubbing it! It makes your foot relax! If that doesn't work, make your foot spell out words or something in the air! I am a pro at dancing and this really helps me!

this is what i do. i always hurt my foot dancing so. first i sit down,extend my feet and do point and flex stretches. that usually helps the muscle to relax. then i rub the soul of my foot to loose it some more then i try my normal point exercises at the bar. you might try wrapping your foot if you have a lot of trouble with it. good luck

Honestly, go to the doctor and have it checked out. It might be worth it to go to a foot/ankle specialist, or even a dance specialist if you have one in your area. If you're in Seattle, there's a great podiatrist that works with dancers. But that's just if you're from Seattle! :)
Achilles tendon problems and dance go hand in hand. But SERIOUS Achilles problems are also hard to recover from. It's worth having it looked at!!
One stretch I can offer is do to the typical calf stretch -- stand facing the barre in parallel position, one leg straight and back, one leg bent. But to really get into your Achilles, keep your back leg where it's at, but bend that leg too.
But I can't stress enough.....go get it looked at!! Just tell the doctor that it's been an ongoing problem. And MAKE SURE to tell your doctor, if he's not a dance-specialist, that you're a DANCER!!!! So he knows you're an athlete, but an athlete that really uses your Achilles tendon. :)
Hope it gets better!

Your teacher is right. you need to stretch your tendon alot. Also, make sure you always warm up before pointing or going on pointe. You might want to see a doctor if the pain continues, because you might have strained the tendon slightly.