Without Proper Care, Dance Classes Can Lead to Stress Fractures

Without Proper Care, Dance Classes Can Lead to Stress Fractures

Fall is a time when many begin or start back up with dance lessons.  Dance can provide adolescents and children with a good amount of exercise, but without proper care can also lead to injury.  “Dance is a highly demanding activity,” said Dr. Scott Levin of Somers Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine Group.  “Every dance performance requires flexibility, balance, power and endurance and many forms of dance require positions that place a great deal of stress on bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments.  It’s not surprising that many dancers sustain an injury at some point and that the foot, ankle and lower leg are particularly vulnerable.”

Overuse injuries are the most common due to the repetitive nature of dance movements.  When overuse occurs in the bone it can lead to stress fracturesor in the case of a tendon, tendinitis. Some of the most common injuries are inflammation, stress fractures, and ankle sprains.  If a young dancer becomes injured, he or she should not return to class until cleared to do so by a medical professional.  If you think you may have sustained an injury such as a stress fracture you should seek out the care of a podiatrist such as Dr. Bryant Tarr of Sudbury & Westford PodiatryDr. Tarr can diagnose any foot injuries you may have and provide you with treatment options that work for you.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

The Stress Fractures occur on the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  Then the feet and ankles lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection the bones receive the full impact of each step. The stress on the feet causes cracks to form in the bones, thus called stress fractures.

What are Stress Fractures?

Common among individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

-runners                                 
-people affected with Osteoporosis
-play tennis or basketball
-gymnastics
-high impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures, and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves in high impact will aggravate pain.

Treatment

The individual and the degree of injury depend on the fracture of the foot. Some fractures heal very fast while others take a long times and one would need crutches.

- Surgery with support pins around the fracture helps
- A great intake of Calcium and Vitamin-D helps for strong bones
- Set a regimen for running or other activity
- Wear supportive shoes

If you experience any discomfort or stress stop what you are doing and get rest. If symptoms persist see an orthopedic specialist right away.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices in Sudbury and Westford, MA.  We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more on Stress Fractures.

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