The Foot and Ankle The Foot Dancers Fracture I landed badly from a jump and now it hurts to walk Causes M ost common acute fracture seen in dancers This fracture occurs along the 5th metatarsal ID: 409899
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Slide1
Common Dance Injuries
The Foot and AnkleSlide2
The Foot
Dancer’s Fracture
"I landed badly from a jump and now it hurts to walk.”
Causes:
M
ost common acute fracture seen in dancers
This fracture occurs along the 5th metatarsal
The typical method of injury is landing from a jump on an inverted (turned-in) foot
Treatment:
Treatment typically consists of ice, elevation, and limiting weight bearing activities
Consulting with a physician to confirm a fracture will be necessary
A dancer’s fracture will require a period of immobilization while the injury healsSlide3
The Foot
Sesamoiditis
"I have pain underneath my big toe, particularly while walking without shoes."
Causes:
S
esamoids
provide a support surface while the dancer is on
demi-pointe
The tendon that runs between the
sesamoids
can become inflamed, causing
sesamoiditis
, a form of tendinitis
Pain is focused under the big toe on the ball of the foot
Treatment:
The use of a J-shaped pad around the area of the
sesamoid
to relieve pressure may be helpful, as is taping the toe so that it remains slightly downward (
plantarflexed
)
It
may take several months for the pain associated with
sesamoiditis
to be completely relieved.Slide4
The Foot
Plantar
Fasciitis
"My foot hurts when I walk barefoot, especially first thing in the morning
.”
Causes:
This is
an overuse injury affecting the sole of the foot.
The
tough, fibrous band of tissue (fascia) connecting the heel bone to the base of the toes becomes inflamed and painful.
Dancers
will often experience an increase in pain after class, or following lengthy weight bearing activities.
Plantar
fascia pain can also be influenced by
dancing
on a hard surface or a non-sprung floor
.
Treatment:
Rest and ice are the first treatments for plantar
fasciitis
.
Physical
therapy or athletic training treatments to assist with tight tissues and identify weakness
may be necessary. Slide5
The
Ankle
Achilles Tendinitis
"My heel and lower calf hurt, particularly while running or jumping
.”
Causes:
Overtraining
of the dancer, particularly heavy training during a short period of time.
Returning to dance after a long period of rest
A natural lack of flexibility in the calf muscles
Dancing on a hard surface or a non-sprung
floor
Treatments:
Rest and ice are immediate treatments for conditions that do not allow for any pain free activity.
Gradually stretching
of the Achilles is helpful. Slide6
The
Ankle
Lateral Ankle Sprain
"I rolled my ankle during class and heard a 'pop' sound
.”
Ankle sprains involve the lateral (outside) structures of the ankle and occur when the ankle is inverted (turned or rolled outwards). A lateral ankle sprain is the result of tears to any of the lateral stabilizing ligaments
.
Causes:
Usually
sustained upon landing
jumps
Working
close to the limits of strength
A
slight loss of balance
A
lapse in
concentration
Treatments:
Rest - avoid using the ankle to prevent further damage.
Ice - apply ice or cold packs to the ankle for 15–20 minutes each hour to help reduce swelling.
Compression - wrap a tensor bandage around the ankle to help reduce swelling.
Elevation - elevate above the heart and support the ankle while resting to prevent blood from pooling and increasing swelling.Slide7
The Lower Leg
Shin splints, stress reactions, and stress fractures:
"I have pain in the front of my shins. It hurts worse during class
.”
All
overuse injuries of the lower leg usually associated with forceful, repetitive activities such as running or jumping.
Shin splint pain
is caused by an irritation of either
the shin bone
or the muscles and tendons in the area. A stress reaction is defined by accelerated remodeling or re-absorption of bone. A stress fracture is a small crack or cracks that occur as a result of repeated loading of the bone when muscles are
fatigued.
Causes:
Intensive dance rehearsal and a high percentage of time dancing on
pointe
or
demi-pointe
will increase the stress and pressure on the foot and tibia
.
When the bone is repeatedly stressed and has low bone mineral density levels, it can eventually result in a stress fracture.
Dancing
on hard floors increases the risk of stress fractures and stress reactions
.
Treatments:
resting the area
applying ice to control inflammation
physical therapy/athletic training treatments
correcting any underlying postural distortions that may aggravate or contribute to the injury (knee hyperextension, weak abdominal muscles, anterior or posterior tilted pelvis,
pronation/supination
of the foot, etc.)