Skin Rips on foot

tgwalks1025 started this discussion · 10/13/2015

Hi Everyone, i am new on here and have been poling since February this year (2015). I still can't invert (that will come) but my biggest problem is my foot. Back in April, we learned to climb and thankfully I can do it and actually like it but a blister formed on the top of my foot and unfortunately it turned to a scab and now every time I climb, even with a plaster/bandaid on it, it rips off and the scab comes off. My foot basically has not been able to heal and its affecting my climb and my pole happiness. I was given Mighty Grip ankle protectors with tack last week in the hope it would help but even though i think it does work, the plaster/bandaid still came off underneath and it still ripped again. Any suggestions? Someone mentioned goat tape? Would that work under the Mighty Grip sock until my foot heels? Thanks - am desperate.

10 replies

dancingmaddy · 10/13/2015
Lots of bandaids just don't stay in place very well. If it was me, I would put the bandaid on and then use athletic or hockey tape (don't know what goat tape is) to hold the bandaid on.
Might Grip · 10/13/2015
hi Maddy, The use of the ankle Protector is a great idea but it is meant to prevent the damage. Yes the use of a band-aid is an excellent idea but with the friction of the material from the Ankle Protector against the band-aid the band-aid will be removed. Try to find the following style of band aid made by Coralite. They are water proof but more importantly they have both a non-stick pad and the edge are extremely thin so i do not think they will slip as readily a regular band-aid. If you can find them send your address to [email protected] and i will send you a few to see if they can be of some help. Joel B.
tgwalks1025 · 10/14/2015
Hi Joel, Thanks for the answer. I just ordered some Goat Tape to put over the bandaid but i have not heard of Coralite before? Possibly in the US only? I am based in the UK. Thanks Maddy I think that is what Goat Tape is so will try that over the bandaid and then the Mighty Grip ankle protector over it to give me grip.
Veena · 10/14/2015
Hi tgwalks! Once your skin heals you'll want to take a look at technique. If you are finding the skin on the foot rips are more than likely over wrapping and over using the foot to climb. A good climbing technique to use for dancing is called a performance climb and will use between the knees for the majority of the lower body work. In fact, once you understand the mechanics of a basic climb you can climb with both feet pointed!!! These lessons talk about the POC's of a different climbs and will help you avoid this issue when climbing. Here is the basic climb where one foot at a time comes to the pole sometimes causing skin rips if the upper body isn't being used to hold as much as it should be. Basic climbs like this are use to build upper body strength. You don't need to be using this as your primary climb for dancing this is used for strength building. https://www.studioveena.com/lessons/view/54c44c66-abbc-4646-ab78-7ef80a9aa0eb This is the performance climb and it will take pressure off the foot and save energy when dancing! https://www.studioveena.com/lessons/view/50fd8f5a-d024-4cbb-a4df-74830ac37250 This video also shows how using the right POC's can allow you to point the foot as well https://www.studioveena.com/lessons/view/54c66f21-17a8-4c5d-9d98-28780a9aa0eb I hope it heal quickly for you!!
Arcsis · 10/16/2015
I'm in the same boat right now. It sucks because even if I do get a covering to stay, having a raw hot spot just hurts. I think I need to adjust my climb as well. I found that KT tape isn't especially tacky, but it stretches nicely & stays in place. It does an alright job on hands too. It's got a tad more grip than regular athletic tape, but skin is better by far for that.
tgwalks1025 · 10/16/2015
Wow Arcsis you are the first poler i have known to suffer from this as well - its so frustrating when there are moves that require a basic climb and your skin rips. Veena has suggested some classes regarding using a performance climb with pointed feet - i shall be trying that. I also have just got Goat Tape Scary Sticky which is athletic tape so going to try that with a bandaid and the ankle protector so will let you know how it goes!
Arcsis · 10/16/2015
Oh definitely let me know how the Goat tape works. Between not carrying it in an local stores & the price I didn't try it. I needed a solution asap. Now I can relax so it's not frustratingly urgent.
Catsanctuary177663 · 10/17/2015
There was a post in another forum recently that said bondage tape works and is grippy. Just passing along info ;)
Veena · 10/17/2015
Bondage tape does grip super well! I've also suggested it (years ago) when someone wanted to have the grip of heels without the heels! hehe 🙈 If you have a sore be sure to cover it with a bandage first because the tape doesn't breathe!!! Still the best thing you can do is work on your climbing technique!
shellypoles · 10/18/2015
This happens to me sometimes when I am practicing routines over and over and my body is tired. I use a combination of mole skin (not actual mole skin,lol) and vet wrap tape. the mole skin adds cushioning and the vet tape has a tac to it...not a perfect solution, but it definitely gets me through a practice without discomfort and the vet tape works pretty good to stay in place.