Dancer's fracture is the most common dance injury. This ailment is an acute fracture that happens along the fifth metatarsal on the outside of the foot. This injury is usually a result of landing incorrectly from a jump on a turned-in foot. As a result, the dancer will experience pain and swelling almost immediately. A doctor should always be contacted to be sure the injury isn't more serious. After a period of rest and rehabilitation the injured foot should be fully healed.
Sesamoids are two small bones and are located under the big toe. These bones act as a support for the tendon that controls the big toe. As a result of overuse and improper balance, this tendon may become inflamed resulting in sesamoiditis, a type of tendinitis, and pain under the big toe. The pain from sesamoiditis is gradual and most often felt when pointing or flexing the big toe. Treatment consists of resting the foot until the pain subsides. It may take months and the assistance of a physical therapist or trainer to completely alleviate the pain.
This condition is the result of repeatedly forcing the metatarsal phalangeal joint into a 90-degree angle. If this position is repeatedly forced, bone spurs can develop which can lead to inflammation and the permanent degeneration of the joint. Like sesamoiditis, pain is felt behind the big toe. If caught early enough, treatment can be as simple as ice and rest to decrease the inflammation. You can safely increase your flexibility by stretching the foot into a demi-point position while sitting so no weight is on the foot.
Plantar fasciitis happens when the band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes becomes inflamed causing pain in the sole of the foot. Pain is most intense in the morning when getting out of bed and placing weight on your feet for the first time. Strenuous activity or prolonged weight bearing can increase the pain. Much like hallux rigidus, plantar fasciitis can be treated with ice and rest, if caught early enough.
This common injury doesn't only affects dancers, but dancers tend to develop it much younger than the general public. This condition is a result of poor posture and positioning. If dancers are prone to rolling-in from a turned-out position, the big toe will start to bend toward the other toes and a bump will form over the metatarsal bone. This bump is known as a bunion. Pain is typically felt in the big toe or ball of the foot and will increase as pressure is applied to the area. If caught early, this condition can be corrected and treated with strengthening exercises. Severe cases may require surgery.