| Q:
I'm a sixteen year old dancer who is currently at a summer dance
camp. Last year at camp, I landed wrong from a jump and hurt my
left foot. I experience pain near the joint in my big toe, but it
is not the joint itself that hurts. Pointe work and turning out
aggravates it even more. I am back at camp again this year and still
experience the same pain in my foot. I had an MRI done about a month
ago, however the results said nothing was wrong. Now, along with
the pain in my left foot, the achilles tendon in my right leg is
sore and I cannot point my foot all of the way. Are these two injuries
related? Can I do anything besides ice to relieve the pain in both
feet? I can't stop dancing because I only have a few weeks left
of camp and have to perform. Thank you for your insight.
Christine Kovach
A:
Dear Christine,
It is a sad reality that injuries often lead to more injuries.
Although you sought medical attention initially, a follow up may
still be in order. An injured body part causes imbalances as stronger
muscles jump in to reduce the work to the injured section. These
compensations in your dancing can very often lead to secondary
injuries. It is likely that you are slightly favoring your weak
foot and in so doing are stressing the opposite limb. For example,
in petit allegro jumps which land on two feet, both feet must
arrive on the floor together. If you are landing on one leg harder
than the other you will pre-dispose yourself to an injury. I feel
compelled to respond to statements like, "I can't stop dancing
because"...... There is nothing that makes this statement true.
The maintenance of your own body is the most serious consideration
in your dancing career. Allow yourself time to heal properly.
In the meantime, continue to ice and seek another opinion.
Good luck,
Alycea Ungaro |
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