Foot and Ankle Injuries in the Adolescent Dancer

Abstract

A young dancer’s foot and ankle are subjected to large forces in the extreme ranges of joint motion, notably during ankle plantar flexion and first metatarsophalangeal joint dorsiflexion. Adolescent dancers can have training levels exceeding those in other sports, with many repetitions of highly specific movements leading to the high incidence of overuse injuries found in this population. Growth and maturation must also be considered, as young dancers with open physes are at risk for a spectrum of specific overuse injuries not found in skeletally mature dancers. The physician must provide an accurate, timely diagnosis and realistic expectations for the young dancer, and remain sensitive to his or her fear of losing dance roles or opportunities if time off is required to heal an injury. The healthcare team must work with the dancer to develop a treatment strategy that will maximize healing potential while maintaining flexibility, fitness, and strength whenever possible.