Though dancers often strive to be light on their feet, dancing the night away can still take a heavy toll on lower extremities. And, both professional and amateur dancers can suffer show-stopping foot or ankle injuries, as seen this season on the popular reality-television show, “Dancing with the Stars.”

The most common types of dance-related problems are overuse injuries, said Dr. Terry Holt, a board-certified foot surgeon from the Podiatry Clinic of Jackson. The injuries are caused by the repetitive movements found not only in dance, but also in exercise routines such as Zumba.

“Over 50 percent of dance injuries occur in the foot and ankle,” Dr. Holt said. “The severity of the damage is determined by a patient’s age, strength, flexibility and the type of shoes worn when dancing.”

Other common types of injuries related to dancing can include:
    • Stress fractures (hairline breaks in the bone) from repeated jumping and landing.
    • Foot neuromas (thickening and irritation of the nerves in the ball of the foot) from repetitive pivoting.
    • Shin splints (pain and swelling in the front of the lower legs), which can be aggravated by recurring activities.
    • Tendonitis (inflammation of the tendons in the foot) from overexertion.
    • Corns, calluses or blisters – all painful skin irritations resulting from repeated rubbing of the skin on the feet.
Dancing is repetitively hard on the lower extremities. So how can dancers of any level protect their feet and ankles?

“The best defense to injury is prevention,” Dr. Holt said. “Dancers should wear appropriate shoes to properly support their feet and ankles, as well as perform dance moves with their individual skill levels in mind.”

When an injury does occur, prompt medical attention by a foot and ankle surgeon can make all the difference in a proper rehabilitation.

“Most dance injuries can be treated with conservative care as long as they are addressed early and not ignored,” Dr. Holt said. “Many people dispel foot pain if they can walk on the foot, but it is important to remember it is possible to walk on a seriously injured foot. Plus, common injuries, if left untreated, may require surgical intervention to ensure proper healing.”