Any form of dance relies heavily on a dancer's strength, especially in the legs and feet. Balancing on the balls of the feet, moving quickly into different positions, sliding, jumping, stomping and many other movements can cause injury to the feet over time. Here are some common foot injuries that dancers may face.
Sprained Ankles
A trip, a missed step, or possibly an old injury that has gone untreated can cause an ankle sprain. Constant use of the foot and ankle, as well as the type of shoes worn and possibly poor technique can contribute to a sprain. Dancers should watch out for sharp pain, swelling, and difficulty with movement. In treating an ankle sprain, a doctor may prescribe crutches and/or braces to stabilize the ankle. Dancers should take time for ankle strengthening exercises to get back into shape after a sprain.
Stress Fractures
Jumping and stomping in shoes without enough shock absorption, or especially in bare feet, can cause stress fractures in the feet. Over time, the muscles in the feet will absorb the vibrations from the floor in jumps, and then the bones will absorb it. Too much strain will cause a fracture in the foot. Dancers should be aware of constant pain that worsens when weight is placed on the foot, as well as swelling and tenderness to the touch.
A fracture can be diagnosed with an X-ray or MRI. Resting and applying ice to the foot will help to ease the pain, and a doctor may prescribe a walking boot and/or crutches. Dancers should follow their doctor's orders in regards to the waiting and healing period before dancing again.
Tendonitis
Like a stress fracture, tendonitis is caused by repetitive stress to the foot or overuse. Dancers should look out for continuous soreness around the ankle, or a dull pain in the heel. When dance students or professionals increase their work load, muscles and tendons may not be strong enough to endure the repetitive classes and performances.
Dancers should try to build up gradually to a full schedule, to prevent tendonitis from forming. Rest and ice, stretching and strengthing the feet and ankles, and taping during class can also help to prevent or alleviate tendonitis. Dancers should always be sure to warm up before class or performance.
Dance-related injuries can hinder a student or performer's growth, and can sideline a dancer for an entire season. Dancers should be sure to watch out for any pain or swelling in their feet and/or ankles, and should see a doctor immediately if any of the signs above appear.
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