Nobody is a stranger to THON’s “no-sitting” rule. Inevitably you’ll start to wonder whether or not your feet will still be attached to your body by the end of the weekend (and if you don’t know the feeling, you will soon). Proper foot care is essential to having a safe, happy, and healthy THON weekend. Here are some tips for keeping your feet (and your sanity) intact this weekend.

Roll your feet on tennis balls. It may sound strange, but this technique is a THON classic. Bring a couple to use in between line dance sessions; you’ll be amazed at your natural ability to create your own self-controlled massage and muscle stretch.

Switch your shoes periodically. Bringing two completely different pairs of shoes (i.e. a pair of sneakers and a pair of flip flops) and changing them every so often will help you avoid the pain you can get from staying in a particular pair of shoes for way too long. You know that feeling after ice skating for a long time when you finally get to take them off? Exactly.

Indulge yourself in an ice bath. The Athletic Training Club offers ice baths and other feet-aiding services during the 46-hour period to dancers, such as massages and ankle taping. If you find yourself in an especially tough spot, head on over to the training room in the Bryce Jordan Center to give your feet a temporary treat.  

Elevate your feet when you have a break. This is so important, but often goes unnoticed. If you find yourself in the middle of a break, take some time to rest your foot (only one at a time, of course – the no-sitting rule still applies) on a nearby elevated surface, such as the top of a chair. Doing this will allow you to temporarily take some of the weight off your feet and provide them with some much needed relief.

Find a nice friend who is willing to rub for your feet for you. If you can find a pal willing to do this, your feet will thank you later. (You can repay them by buying them a soft pretzel or a cold drink later)

When in doubt, utilize any rough service you can find. A seat corner if you’re in the stands, the edge of a trash can you happen to walk past, or even the tip of the toilet seat if you’ve reached the point of pure desperation can work to rub your feet against. 

Just keep moving. The plus side to being on your feet so long that they become numb? The pain you feel will eventually completely disappear – magic!

Do you have any other tips? Let us know win the comments.