Foot and Ankle Injuries in Dancers

George Shybut
From: Performing Arts Medicine, 3rd ed.: Chapter 14 © 2010; page: 1271

Abstract: The performance demands of ballet dancers are comparable to those of competitive athletes, and as would be expected, the injury rates are similar. While some injuries are comparable in both endeavors, particular elements of dance lead to injuries unique to ballet. A significant number of these are located in the foot and ankle. The injuries associated with dance activities and their treatment are described in this chapter. Ankle injuries discussed include Achilles tendinitis and rupture, medial and lateral tendon injuries, posterior and anterior impingement, and ankle sprain. Midfoot injuries include Lisfranc fracture and dorsal capsule injury. Forefoot injuries include fractures of the fifth metatarsal (including Jones' and dancer's fractures), bunions, hallux rigidus, dorsal capsular injury, sesamoid injuries, interdigital (Morton's) neuroma, avascular necrosis of the metatarsal head, toe subluxation and dislocation, and corns and calluses. Stress fractures also occur commonly in the dancer, affecting the foot, heel, and fibula.

Last Updated: 6 / 2010

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