Ballet is both one of the most elegant styles of dance as well as an excellent form of exercise, but it can be particularly hard on a dancer’s feet. Ballet dancers of all ages commonly suffer from an array of injuries and conditions that require attention from a foot specialist to avoid permanent problems. 

What Foot Injuries Usually Affect Ballet Dancers?

1. Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are most often caused by shoes that crowd the toes, forcing the nails to grow to either side or to the rear of the nail bed. Unfortunately, the tight shoes typically worn by ballet dancers regularly cause this issue, particularly in those who’ve been dancing for a long time.

Luckily, there are several steps dancers can take to reduce their risk, including going barefoot as much as possible to give the toes a rest, soaking the feet in warm water, and wearing properly fitting shoes. If these techniques don’t work, a foot specialist may need to remove part or all of the nail.

2. Stress Fractures

Stress fractures are tiny breaks in the bone that are usually caused by overuse. An early symptom of this problem is foot pain, which goes away after resting only to return when you’re on your feet again. Other symptoms include swelling, tenderness, and bruising, particularly around the toes.

A foot specialist may recommend at-home treatments for stress fractures such as resting, applying cold packs, and using over-the-counter pain relief medications. In more severe cases, it may be necessary to wear a cast or a fracture boot to protect the foot while it heals.

3. Plantar Fasciitis

The plantar fascia is a thick piece of tissue extending from the heel to the toes to support the arch and absorb shock from the impact of walking, running, and jumping. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of this tissue caused by factors such as long, intense periods of exercise and unsupportive shoes. Milder cases can be treated with ice packs, gentle stretching, and rest.

Ballet lovers concerned about their risk of these and other foot conditions can turn to Dr. Eric D. Trattner for expert diagnosis and treatment for a wide array of injuries. With multiple locations throughout Ohio, this foot specialist offers care for an extensive variety of injuries and chronic problems, including ingrown toenails, bunions, hammertoes, and more. Call the Fairview Park office at (440) 333-5350 or (330) 405-3301 for the Twinsburg location and visit his website for more information.