Nearly every dancer will experience a foot or ankle injury in their dancing career, whether they are a professional or just perform for fun. From a tumble to overuse, an injury can take you from center stage to the sidelines. However, knowing how to treat an injury, working with a trusted podiatrist, and following a few foot care practices can help you stay on the stage. Here are five of the most common foot and ankle injuries dancers have. 

What Are the Most Frequently Treated Foot Injuries in Dancers? 

1. Sprained Ankle

A sprained ankle is a common injury for nearly every activity. With dance, trauma through a small fall or wrong landing can cause a sprained ankle. If you experience a sprained ankle, follow the acronym RICE and rest, ice, compress using a brace or support, and elevate the affected area. 

2. Tendinitis 

Tendinitis develops when you overuse a joint or joints, and inflammation develops in the tissue that connects the bone and muscle. The best ways to treat this injury are to rest the affected area, then do strength training or physical therapy. To prevent tendinitis in the future, give your body ample time to rest after and during workouts.  

3. Impingement

This is common among dancers because they are constantly pointing their feet, which pinches the tissue in the back and front of the foot. To treat this, a podiatrist will recommend exercises and stretches. In some cases surgery may be necessary to remove an extra bone—often referred to as a “bone spur.”

4. “Trigger Toe”

Similar to impingement and tendinitis, “trigger toe” happens due to the inflammation of tissue in the toes from constant motion. Physical and massage therapy can help relieve the inflammation of the tendons and tissue, but surgery may be necessary for some if it does not heal.

5. Bunions

Too much pressure or weight on the ball of the foot may produce painful bunions. You can find spacers online to help ease the irritation, but stretching and exercises can also help decrease the size and pain of them. In certain cases, surgery may be necessary, but your podiatrist can help with non-surgical methods first. 

If an injury has taken you off the stage, you need the help of Eric R. Tepper, DPM in Sugar Land, TX. For the past 36 years, he has provided excellent care as a trusted podiatrist, helping patients with everything from sports injuries and ingrown toenails to plantar fasciitis. You can find out more about his offerings on the website. Call (281) 980-3668 to schedule an appointment.