Foot and ankle problems in dancers. 1993

L C Schon
Department of Orthopaedics, Union Memorial Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland.

Lower extremity problems, specifically in the feet and ankles, are common in dancers. This is not surprising considering the repetitive and acute stresses applied to lower limbs during this rigorous performing arts activity. When evaluating a dancer with lower extremity complaints, the nature of these demands must be appreciated. In addition to routine physical examination, static and dynamic biomechanical evaluation is paramount to analysis and treatment of leg, foot, and ankle conditions. Although a particular problem, such as painful bunion, may seem localized, it is often related to other factors, such as weak posterior tibial tendon, tight heel cords, or inadequate or forced turnout. It is incumbent on the physician to treat the specific area and, more importantly, to discover contributing factors that may be corrected by changes in technique or training. The physician caring for dancers should communicate with the instructor, physical therapist, or choreographer to facilitate the process. An overview of some common maladies and their characteristics findings are presented.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D012050 Rehabilitation, Vocational Training of the mentally or physically disabled in work skills so they may be returned to regular employment utilizing these skills. Vocational Rehabilitation,Rehabilitations, Vocational,Vocational Rehabilitations
D012090 Cumulative Trauma Disorders Harmful and painful condition caused by overuse or overexertion of some part of the musculoskeletal system, often resulting from work-related physical activities. It is characterized by inflammation, pain, or dysfunction of the involved joints, bones, ligaments, and nerves. Overuse Syndrome,Repetition Strain Injury,Trauma Disorders, Cumulative,Injury, Repetition Strain,Overuse Injury,Repetitive Motion Disorders,Repetitive Strain Injury,Repetitive Stress Injury,Strain Injury, Repetition,Cumulative Trauma Disorder,Injury, Overuse,Injury, Repetitive Strain,Injury, Repetitive Stress,Motion Disorder, Repetitive,Overuse Injuries,Overuse Syndromes,Repetition Strain Injuries,Repetitive Motion Disorder,Repetitive Strain Injuries,Repetitive Stress Injuries,Strain Injury, Repetitive,Stress Injury, Repetitive,Trauma Disorder, Cumulative
D003615 Dancing Rhythmic and patterned body movements which are usually performed to music. Ballet,Dance,Hip-Hop Dance,Jazz Dance,Line Dancing,Modern Dance,Salsa Dancing,Square Dance,Tap Dance,Dance, Hip-Hop,Dance, Jazz,Dance, Modern,Dance, Square,Dance, Tap,Dancing, Line,Dancing, Salsa,Hip Hop Dance
D005534 Foot Diseases Anatomical and functional disorders affecting the foot. Foot Disease
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D016512 Ankle Injuries Harm or hurt to the ankle or ankle joint usually inflicted by an external source. Ankle Sprains,Injuries, Ankle,Syndesmotic Injuries,Ankle Injury,Ankle Sprain,Injuries, Syndesmotic,Injury, Ankle,Injury, Syndesmotic,Sprain, Ankle,Sprains, Ankle,Syndesmotic Injury
D018409 Foot Injuries General or unspecified injuries involving the foot. Injuries, Foot,Turf Toe,Foot Injury,Injury, Foot,Turf Toes

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