Injuries: Treatment and prevention
Being injured is no fun...
Blisters
Blisters form when the skin rubs against another surface, causing friction. A tear occurs within the layers of the skin forming a space into which fluid seeps. Blisters form most easily on moist, sweaty skin - conditions made by feet dancing in shoes!
Treatment
1. If the blister is small, and unruptured, cover with a bandage and leave to heal
2. If the blister already popped and torn on it's own, trim off the hanging skin with serile scissors...then proceed to step 4
3. If the blister is unpopped, serilize a pin - by holding it in a flame til it grows red - then poke a small hole in the blister's edge and press down gently to drain the fluid. DO NOT TAKE OFF THE SKIN....(I learned this the hard way, ouchie!)
4. Take rubbing alchohol and apply to the area...(it's going to sting, but it hardens the skin out for the blister to heal
5. Apply a first aid anti-bacterial ointment and cover with a bandage
6. If you have to dance again before your blister has healed - very likely considering Irish dancing! - then take a piece of moleskin that is larger than the blister, and cut a hole in the middle of it, the size of the blister.
7. Place around the blister, and if necissary, put another layer of the moleskin on top of that one, and cover with a bandage. If you have a problem with normal bandages coming off during your dance practice - like me - then put a large square of duct tape over the moleskin....it should be ok, because the tape won't actually touch the blistered area
8. Or....Use a special blister bandage if that works for you
Prevention of Blisters
- Before you dance, apply petroleum jelly or talcum power to reduce friction. Applying anti-prespirent to the feet prior to practice also reduces sweating - which in turn reduces the risk of a blister.
- There is a higher risk of blistering if your dance shoes are new - as I'm sure you already know - so when you buy a new pair, select the potential blister areas, such as backs of heels, sides of toes, and cover with moleskin and duct tape
- Buy the gel tubes that fit over your toes if you are getting blisters there
Ankle Sprain
For any major injury...remember P.R.I.C.E.D.
P-revention of further injury
R-est
I-ce
C-ompression
E-levation
D-iagnosis by a doctor as soon as possible
Treatment
1. As soon as you go over on your ankle, STOP DANCING, lie down, apply and ice pack, and prop your leg up on some pillows.
2. It's a good idea to go to a doctor if you are in a lot of pain.
3. In the first stages of healing, keep applying ice, and STAY OFF IT....don't try and dance. As soon as the swelling goes down, alternate heat with ice, and wear an ankle brace to prevent re-injury by your ankle rolling over accidentally
4. Don't dance on it until it is significantly healed...and even then, wear an ankle brace under your socks for a few weeks more until your muscles have repaired the damage fully and are strong enough to support you
Prevention
Unfortunatly, there isn't much you can do to prevent sprained ankles. It's just one of those freak things that happen. However....DON'T try and do moves such as Toestands, and rocks before you are ready for them.
Also, dance in the proper footwear....and be careful of dancing in bare feet on carpet....sometimes your toes can catch on the ground and twist your ankle over.
Shin Splints - ouchie
Shin splints are one of the most painful ailments you can get...take care to avoid them before they happen.
Treatment
******MORE COMING SOON******
