Healthy Feet Make the Best Dancing Feet

CHICAGO - November 20, 2009 - Being 'light on your feet' when dancing
is not entirely true; dancing the night away can take a toll on feet
and ankles. Both professional and amateur dancers can suffer foot
injuries that can stop the show, as witnessed this season on the
popular reality-television show, Dancing with the Stars.
According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, the most
common types of dance-related foot and ankle problems are overuse
injuries, which occur due to the repetitive movements in dance. "Over
50 percent of dance injuries occur in the foot and ankle. The severity
of the damage is determined by a patient's age, strength and
flexibility and the type of shoes worn when dancing," Orlando-area
foot and ankle surgeon Amber Shane, DPM, FACFAS, said.
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/irritation of the nerves in the ball of the
foot) resulting 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 over exertion
-corns, calluses or blisters - all painful skin irritations resulting
from repeated rubbing of the skin on the feet.
With dancing being repetitively hard on the lower extremities, how can
dancers of any level protect their feet and ankles? "The best defense
to injury is prevention. 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," Dr. Shane said
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. Shane adds.  "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."
For more information on common foot and ankle injuries or to find a
foot and ankle surgeon near you, visit FootPhysicians.com.

About ACFAS
The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons is a professional
society of more than 6,000 foot and ankle surgeons. Founded in 1942,
the College's mission is to promote research and provide continuing
education for the foot and ankle surgical specialty, and to educate
the general public on foot health and conditions of the foot and ankle
through its consumer Web site, http://FootPhysicians.com.