swanprincess Posted June 24, 2015 Share Posted June 24, 2015 Since being in NYC, I've found that my feet cramp up in class a lot- even in something as simple as tendu at the barre, the arch of my foot will cramp- it's hard to dance well when my feet are in so much pain, it's not been a problem previously; what can i do to get rid of the cramp? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fiz Posted June 24, 2015 Share Posted June 24, 2015 Make sure you are properly hydrated. I used to use quinine for leg cramps but it was prescribed by a doctor. It works brilliantly but I don't know if it is available off prescription. I believe magnesium tablets can help too. Good luck! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAB Posted June 24, 2015 Share Posted June 24, 2015 Don't forget tonic water contains quinine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kat09 Posted June 24, 2015 Share Posted June 24, 2015 SP you might be dehydrated from both the flight and the heat in NY … drink lots of water and maybe add some salt xx 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angel Posted June 24, 2015 Share Posted June 24, 2015 If you could find the equivalent of Dioralyte (ask a pharmacist) it would help rehydrate and rebalance salt levels? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LinMM Posted June 24, 2015 Share Posted June 24, 2015 (edited) I'm sure it's just the flight etc or slight change in diet......but when in UK is there a) something you did before class that you haven't been doing in NYC? and/or ......the class is very different in format to your one in UK.....eg some schools (Russians etc) do LOADS of tendus so perhaps you are overworking the legs fairly early on at the barre. Hope it resolves soon. Edited June 24, 2015 by LinMM 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anon2 Posted June 25, 2015 Share Posted June 25, 2015 If you can't get diorolyte or similar to rebalance your salts there are some recipes in Nutrition for the Dancer by Zerlina Mastin for hypotonic and isotonic drinks that will help and will be healthier than shop bought sports drinks. Just done a quick Google search and there are recipes online - BBC sport has same recipe but can't post links! Just measure the salt carefully, don't be tempted to put in extra. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pas de Quatre Posted June 25, 2015 Share Posted June 25, 2015 Another point - are you walking around a lot when not dancing. If you are wearing shoes without any arch support this can lead to them slightly flattening, so then they become painful as the arches get pushed up again in tendus in class. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted June 25, 2015 Share Posted June 25, 2015 muscle cramping is commonly caused by dehydration and by exercising in heat. Long flights can definitely be a contributor especially if any alcohol is consumed and NYC is pretty hot and humid in summer. Drinking lots of water (2 litres/day) and stretching out well after exercise should help. And if it doesn't improve I would tell a member of staff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drdance Posted June 25, 2015 Share Posted June 25, 2015 I used to get foot cramps if I was nervous (exams were a nightmare!) or with tight shoes. Have you changed your ballet shoes? Although cramp is often related to electrolyte balance so don't just drink water, make sure that you are getting enough electrolytes (sodium, potassium etc) - gatorade is your best bet. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LinMM Posted June 27, 2015 Share Posted June 27, 2015 What is Gatorade? Is it an especially made up drink you can buy off the shelf? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dramascientist Posted June 27, 2015 Share Posted June 27, 2015 I agree with DrDance don't drink just water you need salts too. Yes Gatorade is a drink that contains salts too off the shelf but I bet they have lots of these types of drinks in the US. I had a friend that collapsed after drinking just water in a very hot, humid environment (don't worry she drank a lot!) but if you are sweating a lot you are losing more than just water and these need to be replaced too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swanprincess Posted June 27, 2015 Author Share Posted June 27, 2015 Thank you for the advice! I've tried Gatorade & salt tablets, which seem to have helped a lot! Thanks again x 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sarahw Posted June 27, 2015 Share Posted June 27, 2015 Fab news Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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