INPUT ARTICLE: Article: When you step on each count, the leader and follower will be going through the same steps, but mirrored. When the leader goes forward, the follower will go backwards. When the leader uses the left foot, the follower uses the right foot. If you are the leader, take a step forward with your left foot on count 1. If you are the follower, take a step backwards with your right foot on count 1. Remember the samba bounce. Bend the knees and keep them soft while you go through the steps. This next step, on the ah, is a quick step. Step your other foot right beside the one you moved in the previous count. Shift your weight to your other foot, making sure not to put full pressure on this foot. Then, on the 2 count, shift your weight completely back to the first foot. This should be done quickly. Your feet might seem like they are doing a march step as you complete this ah-2 count. Your weight will end up back on the foot you led with. If you are the leader, you will be stepping your right foot forward beside your left, then shifting partial body weight to the right foot during the ah count. If you are the follower, you will be stepping your left foot back beside your right, then shifting partial body weight to the left foot during the ah count. Let your hips sway as you bounce right and left while keeping your upper body still. This should put you back into your initial, neutral position. Complete the same sequence of steps to the same count, but this time reverse them. The leader will be going backwards and the follower will be going forwards. If you are the leader, step backward on your right foot, bring your left foot back next to it. Shift your weight quickly to the left on the ah count then back to the right on the 2 count. If you are the follower, step forward on your left foot, then bring your right foot forward next to it. Shift part of your weight to the right foot on the ah and then back to the left on the 2 count. When you step with the left foot, make sure you step with the ball flat against the floor. When you change to the quick ah count, quickly press with the ball of the right foot. When you step again with the left foot, make sure to keep it ball-flat. After you have mastered the basic and reverse basic steps, you can add a basic side step to your routine. The basic side step is completed exactly like the basic and reverse basic, except instead of going forwards and backwards, you step right and left. Start in the same closed position. If you are the leader, step right on the 1 count; if you are the follower, step left. Bring the other foot in so it is beside the foot that led. If you are the leader, you will bring your left foot in and shift partial weight onto it on the ah step. If you are the follower, you will bring in your right foot. Transfer you weight back onto your leading foot on the 2 count. Step sideways the opposite way. If you are the leader, you will step left on the 1 count; if you are the follower, you will step right. Complete the same steps. Turn on some salsa music and go through these steps until they become automatic.

SUMMARY: Step on count 1. Bring your other foot in for the ah-2 steps. Reverse the steps. Add in a side step. Practice the steps.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Hammertoe may clear up at home; however, many patients eventually require doctor's care. If you notice any of the following complications, seek medical treatment: The development of thick blisters around your toe Worsening pain Difficulty walking Difficulty putting on shoes If you have any of the above complications, or if your hammertoe fails to clear up on its own, seek medical assistance. Make an appointment with your regular physician or a podiatrist to assess and treat your hammertoe. Before going into the doctor's office, take stock of your symptoms. You should be able to tell the doctor where the pain comes from and what activities make it worse. You should also come in with a list of your existing medications. If you have a family history of hammertoe, mention this to your doctor. Your doctor will perform a routine exam on your foot. She will ask you a series of questions about your symptoms. Your doctor will also want to know what kind of physical activity you engage in and what kinds of shoes you wear. In most cases, your doctor will recommend a foot exercise program to treat the issue. Hammertoe, while irritating, is rarely serious enough to require surgery. Your doctor will lay out an exercise regimen for you at the office. Your doctor may advise a variety of exercises. You may be asked to pick up marbles with your toe or to crumple a towel with your toe. The type of exercises, and how often you should do them, do depends on your specific hammertoe. Make sure you get detailed instructions from your doctor. If anything is unclear in the doctor's office, ask your doctor for clarification before you go home. In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to treat hammertoe. Your joints may need to be straightened surgically. In some cases, hammertoe is caused by joints fusing together. In this case, joints will need to be separated surgically and some bones may be removed. Hammertoe surgery is usually not major surgery. Most patients will go home the same day of the operation. Your toe may be stiffer or shorter after surgery. Talk to your doctor about the recovery period and how to best care for yourself.

SUMMARY:
Seek a doctor's advice if certain complications arise. Make an appointment with your doctor. Follow advice on foot exercise. Have surgery, if necessary.