When an injury does occur, prompt medical attention by a foot and ankle surgeon can make all the difference in a proper rehabilitation.
The most common types of dance-related foot and ankle problems are overuse injuries, which occur because of the repetitive movements in dance. More than 50% of dance injuries occur in the foot and ankle. The severity of the damage is determined by a patient’s age, strength and flexibility and the type of shoes worn when dancing.
Other common types of injuries related to dancing can include:
- Stress fractures (hairline breaks in the bone) from repeated jumping and landing.
- Foot neuromas (thickening/irritation of the nerves in the ball of the foot) resulting from repetitive pivoting.
- Shin splints (pain and swelling in the front of the lower legs), which can be aggravated by recurring activities.
- Tendonitis (inflammation of the tendons in the foot) from overexertion.
- Corns, calluses or blisters – all painful skin irritations resulting from repeated rubbing of the skin on the feet.
With dancing being repetitively hard on the lower extremities, how can dancers of any level protect their feet and ankles? The best defense to injury is prevention. Dancers should wear appropriate shoes to properly support their feet and ankles, as well as perform dance moves with their individual skill levels in mind.
When an injury does occur, prompt medical attention by a foot and ankle surgeon can make all the difference in a proper rehabilitation. Most dance injuries can be treated with conservative care as long as they are addressed early and not ignored. Many people dismiss foot pain if they can walk on the foot, but it is important to remember it is possible to walk on a seriously injured foot. Plus, common injuries, if left untreated, may require surgical intervention to ensure proper healing. FBN
By Anthony Rosales, DPM, FACFAS
If you are suffering from foot or ankle pain, call Dr. Rosales’s office at 928-864-0602 for an assessment.
Anthony Rosales DPM, FACFAS, a foot surgeon with offices in Flagstaff and Page, is board certified in foot surgery by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery. He is a member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.
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