The exercises and insight my physical therapist has given me has completely resolved my original problem. Unfortunately, I've continued experiencing pain on the back sides of my heels, likely from excessive tightness in my calf muscles, possibly aggravated by my heel spurs.
When I arrived for class Monday I was feeling especially good. During the pirouette exercise I managed one or two (ragged) doubles en dehor. I skipped the jump preparations in favor of a bit more stretching, and the petit allegro was simple enough that I could keep up with the music. The grand allegro combination was particularly fun. Not only did I join the first group to go across the floor in each direction, but I tagged on to the last group a couple of times. I was really quite pleased.
By the time I got home, though, I was having trouble walking. I could stand flat-footed feeling only a bit of tension in my heels, but attempting to flex my foot beyond that hurt. Okay, maybe I overdid it a tiny bit.
I was still sore enough Tuesday that walking down the stairs was better done by hopping. I resolved that if I wasn't markedly improved by Wednesday morning I'd skip class.
Wednesday I was a little better, but decided to give my legs a day off anyway. By Wednesday evening it felt like things were finally starting to relax, and had hopes for Friday's class.
Friday morning, though, I was feeling the effects of a pair of vaccinations I got Thursday morning. I probably could have gotten to class if it had been important, but I doubt I would have had the energy to stay beyond barre. I decided not to waste the time driving down and back (about 30 minutes each way), likely exhausting myself in the process.
Saturday morning I woke up early feeling rested. I was a little stiff on the stairs, but nothing like earlier in the week. Time to get back to class!
Some day I'm going to learn to throttle myself back. During barre I kept telling myself I could do things flat-footed rather than demi-pointe, but I did it anyway about half the time. I did skip the jump prep and petit allegro segments, but got back in the game for grand allegro. Who doesn't like leaping into the air?
Overall, I think the break was good for me. Even in the evening I'm not as sore as I had been earlier in the week. Sunday I start rehearsals for The Nutcracker, and I don't want to be hobbling around like a lame horse.
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