PODIATRIST DISCUSSES PREVENTION OF DANCE INJURIES

Chicago-based dance and sports medicine podiatrist Lisa M. Schoene, DPM, ATC notes that intense, repeated motions that suddenly increase in frequency may lead to overuse injuries like metatarsal stress fractures, Achilles tendonitis, or shin splints. You can also develop posterior impingements from excessive pointework. But injury could happen almost anywhere if you aren’t prepared, as deconditioned muscles fatigue quickly and may not sustain a six-hour workday.

 

Dr. Lisa Schoene

 

Blister Band-Aids, 2nd Skin, or lamb’s wool can help cushion touchy areas. Dr. Schoene recommends topical ointments like Biofreeze, Traumeel, and arnica gel to fight inflammation between rehearsals. She also suggests using antiperspirant spray to quickly dry sweaty, blister-prone feet. After dancing, wearing socks with moisture-wicking or dry-fit fiber blends in supportive sneakers can provide extra care.

 

Source: Kyra Laubacher, Pointe Magazine [9/20/21]

Courtesy of Barry Block, editor of PM News