Identifying Foot Injuries in Dancers
Strong, healthy feet is essential for any professional dancer. Twists, turns, jumps and other explosive movements are just some of the dance steps that dancers perform regularly. Add to this to the pressure of keeping their body’s slim. This can result to poor nutrition that can lead to weak bones and foot injuries.
A podiatrist may recommend the use of enhanced imaging techniques to positively identify a foot injury. This is because some foot injuries do not show any symptoms. Foot injuries only become evident when it has become too far advanced and require surgery. Consult a podiatrist for early signs of foot injury.
Treatment and Management
Anti-inflammatory drugs and pain medications provide instant pain relief. It enables dancers to continue with their performance by eliminating the pain felt with every movement. However, this is not a long term solution and should only be taken to relieve symptoms.
Applying ice over the inured area helps reduce swelling and reduce pain. Place a piece of cloth between the ice pack and skin to prevent skin damage.
A podiatrist may also recommend the use of a cast or immobilizing boot to prevent foot movement. This promotes proper healing and prevents further injury.
Emergency treatment for foot injuries can be done by resting the feet to reduce pain and prevent further injury. Application of ice, compression to prevent bleeding and elevation to reduce swelling.
Common Foot Problems in Dancers
Ankle Sprain
Sprains shouldn’t be a cause of too much alarm since treatments are mostly non-surgical. Symptoms of an ankle sprain include sharp nagging pain and swelling.
Achilles Tendonitis
The Achilles tendon is the strongest tendon in the body. But repeated abuse through dancing can cause injury. Swelling and pain at the heels and back of the calf could indicate this injury.
Dancer’s Heel
Dancing could place great pressure on the ankle. A bony protrusion can develop damaging soft tissues in the area. A dancer’s heel causes pain especially when the dancer attempts to stand on the toes.
Hammertoe
A hammertoe is described as a toe deformity where the second toe bends toward the big toe. If left untreated the deformity becomes fixed making it difficult to wear shoes.
Keeping the feet in tip-top shape is important for dancers. Pain during movement makes it difficult for dancers to perform gracefully or execute simple dance steps.
Contact James C. Ricketti, DPM and let us address all your foot and ankle needs. Our board-certified podiatrist will tailor treatments based on your individual needs and with our state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment options, we’ll help you get back on your feet in no time! Call our office today at 609-587-1674 to make an appointment at our conveniently located Hamilton, NJ office.