Does going on a pointe hurt?

Question:For the first time. And can anyone tell me anything that will ease the pain-something that you can get in the UK
And also you know the foot in the pointe shoe is the foot like this-
http://www.flickr.com/photos/84126085@N0...

Or like this-
http://www.flickr.com/photos/79911209@N0...
The actual foot inside the shoe

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: For the first time. And can anyone tell me anything that will ease the pain-something that you can get in the UK
And also you know the foot in the pointe shoe is the foot like this-
http://www.flickr.com/photos/84126085@N0...

Or like this-
http://www.flickr.com/photos/79911209@N0...
The actual foot inside the shoe

the 2nd image is what its like going on pointe. Going on pointe does hurt to start, but you do get use to it.
i live in the UK, and when i got my pair of pointe shoes, the lady who fitted me automatically offered me protection for my toes, i had the choice of an "ouch pouch" or a "pro pad".

http://www.dance-unique.com/products/101 - shows u a picture of an ouch pouch.

http://www.bunheads.com/gel/ProPad.html - shows u a picture of a pro pad.

u may think they are the same by glancing at them but the difference is, with an ouch pouch, the padding goes all the way round, with a pro pad the padding goes round the front of the toes but round the back its just a bit of fabric. I was told some dancers find protection all the way round uncomfortable but that is not the same with everyone, i decided to go for the pro pad and i havn't experienced any severe pain. i don't really get blisters and my toes have never bled, which is what happened to my sister's toes when she didn't use any padding.

hope this helps, good luck on pointe!

Yeah, you will experience some pain. When my friend started on pointe she had padding at the bottom (where you put your toe ) and extra foam protection around her toes. She said it didn't really hurt and now she is used to it.. You can purchase padding at shops where you buy pointe shoes.

yes you do experience some pain the first time, but the pain will ease as you get more experienced.

your foot inside the pointe shoe is in a completely pointed position. like the second picture.

You can use padding to help with the discomfort. Lambs wool, paper towells, and pre-made pads are all popular. However, too much padding is actually more uncomfortable than not enough. Most beginning pointe students overpad thinking it will help with the pain, and then are miserable.

If you have the needed strength in your feet, ankles, legs and back, and you pull up out of your pointe shoes you should have minimal discomfort.