title: Foot and ankle injuries in theatrical dancers.
abstract: The theatrical dancer is a unique combination of athlete and artist. The physical demands of dance class, rehearsal, and performance can lead to injury, particularly to the foot and ankle. Ankle sprains are the most common acute injury. Chronic injuries predominate and relate primarily to the repeated impact loading of the foot and ankle on the dance floor. Contributing factors include anatomic variation, improper technique, and fatigue. Early and aggressive conservative management is usually successful and surgery is rarely indicated. Orthotics play a limited but potentially useful role in treatment. Following treatment, a structured rehabilitation program is fundamental to the successful return to dance.
authors.forename: W T
authors.initials: WT
authors.lastname: Hardaker
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Margello
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Goldner
mesh_terms: D000125:Achilles Tendon / Q000293:injuries; D016512:Ankle Injuries; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000209:etiology*; D003615:Dancing; D005096:Exostoses / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D018409:Foot Injuries; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D013180:Sprains and Strains / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013577:Syndrome; D013628:Talus / Q000293:injuries; D052256:Tendinopathy / Q000175:diagnosis