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Post by gfmidwife on Sept 1, 2004 12:37:52 GMT -5
TEXT :'(I use DDRMax2 for my workout. I have the cheaper PS non-slip dance pad which does not allow you to wear shoes and I think as a result I am not getting enough support and keep injuring my ankle and getting shin splints. Because of my formal dance training, I have a difficult time keeping my heels down when I touch the pad, do you think this is contributing to my injuries? I'm getting very frustrated because I have been losing weight and I'm not at my goal yet. Has anyone else had this challenge to overcome?
Thank You,
Lara
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Post by Laura Moncur on Sept 1, 2004 14:54:42 GMT -5
I get shin splints almost every time if I don't stretch. Warm up with one or two songs. Do this stretch: www.exrx.net/Stretches/Gastrocnemius/Step.htmlReally lift your toes when you do this stretch to make sure that you get your shin muscles really warmed up. Stretch between songs, if possible, and make sure to really stretch after your workout. This has been the most helpful thing for me. Additionally, you might want to try it with athletic shoes or slipper socks. Just because the directions say you're not supposed to use shoes, doesn't mean that you can't. You'll wear out your pad quicker (giving you an excuse to ask for a nice Ignition pad for Xmas), but that's probably the only side effect. |
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Post by abrannan on Sept 1, 2004 21:57:48 GMT -5
You're probably getting the shin splints more because of an imbalance in the strength of the muscles in the front and back of your lower legs. Stretching, as already mentioned, is your best bet to combat this. And you should be playing on the balls of your feet, it helps with speed and is gentler on your knees than stomping with your heels.
It, in general, sounds to me like you're trying to do too much DDR. Give your body some time to rest and recuperate between sessions, and adjust your difficulty level a bit to give your muscles a break every now and then.
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Post by heinous on Sept 2, 2004 12:03:15 GMT -5
I had similar problems and a couple things helped.
1. I went and bought some cross-trainer shoes and just used those for playing for better support at first (don't seem to need them so much now as my ankle strength improved.
2. The ignition style pads with the foam inserts seem to really provide some extra cushioning and don't slip around so much and helped a ton. I play on one barefoot now because I slip around too much in socks.
3. Stretching and eating foods with potassium.
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DDRMom
Heavy Mode
100 Hours Achieved! ('06 '07 '08)
Posts: 272
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Post by DDRMom on Sept 19, 2004 19:31:22 GMT -5
RedOctane has come out with pad covers so you can play with your shoes on. I use one with my Ignition pad. Being able to play with shoes on has eliminated ALL of my aches and pains because now I have good arch/foot support.
Plus, the cover will save wear and tear on your pad!
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