When actors take the stage, you commonly hear “break a leg”. For dancers, however, there’s an obvious reason why you would not say “break a leg”. This could mean a huge recovery period and possibly the end of their career. A dancer’s livelihood depends on healthy legs, ankles, and feet. That’s why although they may not discuss the topic amongst themselves anymore, they all understand the importance of caring for their overused, disfigured and often injured feet.
If you have injuries from recreational or professional dancing, seeing your podiatrist often is beneficial to maintaining good foot health. Our board-certified foot and ankle doctor, Brad Toll, DPM will help you find the best way to continuously care for your feet.
Common foot problems experienced by dancers
There are many foot and ankle injuries that dancers experience, including: Achilles Tendonitis or Injury, Ankle Sprains, Stress Fractures, Corns and Calluses, Fractures, Hammertoes, Heel Spurs (Plantar Fasciitis), Ingrown Toenails, Turf Toe, and Metatarsalgia. The following are the most common:
1. Hallux Rigidus or Limitus – You may feel pain or be unable to move at the joints of the big toe. The joints can rub together and become inflamed or degenerate the joint. Dancers should ice and relieve inflammation. Taping the toes can reduce further issues.
2. Bunions – Foot pain can be felt in the big toe or the ball of the foot. Repeated positions, postures, and other combinatory injuries can cause bunions at the big toe joint. Dancers should keep aware of any deformities and pain since untreated bunions could even require surgical interventions.
3. Metatarsalgia – There is pain and tenderness to the touch at the ball of the foot. This is commonly caused by extreme force on the smaller toes. The constant overstretching can cause instability in the joints and cause sharp pains. Strengthening the muscles that control the small toes can be helpful in preventing or treating metatarsalgia. Orthotic inserts can help relieve the pressures on the ball of the foot when walking.
4. Plantar Fasciitis or Heel Spurs – The soles and heel of the foot can feel painful when overusing the tissues of the plantar fascia. The tissue becomes inflamed and painful, especially when there is tightness in the calf muscles or Achilles tendon. Use physical therapy to release tight tissues, stretch, and take anti-inflammatories if necessary.
5. Sesamoiditis – The tendon between the sesamoid bones can become inflamed when you are on the balls of your feet often. Pain is felt under the big toe, and also while bending the toe. Resting as much as possible to reduce pain and inflammation is recommended. If pain is chronic or very sharp, you may want to take X-rays to be sure the bones are not fractured.
As a dancer, it is wise to treat any issues early and often since repeated and untreated injury can lead to more severe issues. Our team at Crofton Podiatry will do their best to care for your feet and ankles, which are essential to your dance career. Make an appointment today by calling our office (410)721-4505 in Crofton, MD.