Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Common Injuries For Dancers

So even though dance is an art and all (although I think it should be considered a sport as well) it is dangerous, with injuries being very common. Did you know dancers are injured yearly more than football players? Not saying it isn't totally fun to participate in and safe, but injuries do happen as they do in any physically demanding activity.
Foot-
"Dancer's Fracture"
Landing badly from a jump and then experiencing difficulty walking. Typically caused by landing on an inverted foot. Immediate pain and swelling will occur and can be alleviated by elevation, icing, and limiting pressure.
"Sesamoiditis"
Pain underneath toe, particulary when barefoot. Rest, a J-shaped pad or taping of the foot are recommended as is consultation with a physician. (BTW when it's serous or if you just want to be safe consult one in any case scenario of an injury)
"Hallux Valgus and Bunion"
Experiences pain when big toe is turned inward. Identify as early as possible and treat by strengthening, stretching, and prescription.
"Hallux Rigidus (Limitus)"
Going on full releve causes pain. Can be treated by ice, rest, ice massages, stretching into a demi-pointe position without bearing weight upon the toes
Ankle-
"Achilles Tendinitis"
When running or jumping the heel and lower-calf hurt as over time the Achilles can swell from overtraining. Rest, ice, stretch, strengthen, and use an overnight splint if necessary.
Knee-
"Patellar tendonitis/“Jumper’s Knee”
Front of knee hurts when jumping due to inflamation and irration of the surrounding tendons and tissues caused by overuse. Don't aggravate it, ice, medicate, and consult a physician
Hip-
"Osteoarthritis"
Previous injuries, overuse, aging, and possibly genetics cause inflamation and degenerative breakdown of the joint cartilage to occur creating constant hip pain. Get a physician to confirm diagnosis. There is no cure for the condition, but it can be treated with physical therapy and if the pain becames too unbearable with replacement surgery.
Spine-
"Lower back muscle strain and spasm"
When you pull something in your back treat by rest, ice, medication, and/or therapy.
Shoulder-
"Dislocation"
When popped out of the joint go to see a doctor for assistance in placing it back in correctly if deemed necessary. Therapy is highly recommended to prevent repeated dislocation.
Elbow-
"Tennis Elbow/ Lateral Epicondylitis"
When the outside of your elbow hurts rest and ice to reduce swelling, but if more chronic see a physician.
Wrist/Hand-
"Carpal Tunnel Syndrome"
When there is pain in the base of your wrists and your fingers tingle from repetitive use than ice, rest, medicate, and if more chronic surgery might be a possibility.


Crediting http://www.med.nyu.edu/hjd/harkness/patients/injuries/ for source of information. For more information on common dance injuries visit that site.

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