Dancers heavily depend on their legs, ankles, and feet to carry them through a performance. What most people do not know, however, are the issues that their feet and ankle go through in order to show the graceful movements and beautiful stances. That’s why it is all the more important that they get the proper care for their feet and ankles.
If you have concerns about starting recreational or professional dancing, see your foot and ankle doctor to maintain good foot health. Our board-certified podiatrist, Carl Ingrassia, DPM will help you find the best way to continuously care for your feet, especially as problems get more serious, further into your dancing hobby or career.
Whether dancing is your job or your recreational activity, there are many foot and ankle injuries that you can be prone to experiencing. These include: Injury to the Achilles tendon, Ankle Sprains, Corns, Calluses, Fractures, Hammertoes, Plantar Fasciitis, Ingrown Toenails, Hammertoes, and Metatarsalgia. The most common are the following:
- Hallux Rigidus or Limitus – There is pain or immobility in the joints of the big toe. The joints may rub together and become inflamed or wear down.
- Bunions – The bones near the big toe joint becomes disfigured from repeated positions and postures. There is pain in the toe joint or on the ball of the foot.
- Plantar Fasciitis or Heel Spurs – The soles and heels feel painful when overusing the plantar fascia tissues, which can become inflamed.
- Metatarsalgia – The ball of the foot feels extreme pain and tenderness. When certain postures require extreme force on the smaller toes, overstretching these areas can cause unstable joints, causing sharp pains.
- Sesamoiditis – When on the balls of your feet too often, the tendon between the sesamoid bones can become inflamed. Pain is felt under the big toe, and also while bending the toe.
Since there are so many issues that dancers are susceptible to, foot checkups should happen regularly. Repeated and untreated injury can lead to more severe issues. Our team at Fords Foot and Ankle Care 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 732-390-4300 in Fords, NJ.