Ballet Dancers and Ballet Injuries
Ballet dancers are graceful and beautiful performers, but theirs is a dangerous profession, considering the frequency and severity of ballet injuries that they suffer during the span of their careers. One of the most common causes of their injuries is dancing on pointe.
If you have been dancing on pointe for months with regular frequency, you have likely experienced one or two of the numerous ballet injuries that come from the activity. Dancing on pointe has been likened to wearing 5-inch high heels 24/7 for most of your life.
What increases your risks for foot injuries in your ballet dancing career? At the early stages of ballet dancing, you encased your feet in snug slippers usually either made from leather or canvas material. As you progress, your feet and toes will be confined in pointe shoes for 4-6 hours, which means that these parts of your body will work within a very small space. You will also subject them to repetitive, not to mention physically demanding, motions and executions that place excessive load, force and torque on your feet.
The result: Dancing on pointe increases the risk of injuries on your feet including your ankles and toes. You are, in effect, placing excessive stress on your tendons, including the Achilles tendon complex, ligaments and bones when dancing on pointe especially during releves (i.e., from flat position to en pointe and then back again).
The dangers of dancing on pointe are aplenty especially when improper techniques are used. When you wear tight-fitting shoes and perform a wide range of demanding motions and movements over time, your feet, toes and ankles simply cannot take it anymore.
Healthpointe doctors and surgeons have seen their share of injuries among ballet dancers especially among ballerinas. These include the following:
- Sesamoiditis is the inflammation of the sesamoids, two tiny bones in the tendons that are connected to the big toe.
- Hallux limitus and rigidus, which pertain to stiffness in the big toes.
- Neuromas refer to the burning and tingling sensations shooting, which may or may not be accompanied by numbing and cramping from the ball of the affected foot to the toes.
Other injuries include Achilles tendonitis, bunions, and plantar fasciitis. Whatever your injury, always be sure to consult with our Healthpointe doctors about the best possible treatment for your case.
Healthpointe’s doctors and surgeons are available for consultations on all dance and sport related injuries; for more information please call (888) 824-5580 or visit healthpointe.net.
About Healthpointe
Healthpointe is a leading multidisciplinary healthcare organization offering a full range of medical services in practice locations throughout Southern California (Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, and Riverside County). Healthpointe has locations situated in over 10 cities in Southern California including Irwindale, which is conveniently located near Duarte, Azusa, West Covina, Vincent, and Mayflower Village. As a highly regarded musculoskeletal group, we have a personal investment in the highest level of service, and we are proud of our record of excellence over the last four decades with private patients, injured workers, urgent care, personal injuries, and professional and non-professional athletes. Leading our organization is a dynamic team of healthcare professionals who continually strive to be at the forefront of medical innovation and healthcare service delivery. For more information, a complete list of services, and Healthpointe locations, visit www.Healthpointe.net