En Pointe - Common Injuries

Common Injuries

Dancing en pointe places some stress on the dancer's feet. Most injuries a dancer can acquire come from not using the correct cushioning and accessories or having an incorrect fit of pointe shoe. Common injuries related to dancing en pointe incorrectly are:

This list is incomplete; you can help by expanding it.

Blisters

Blisters are caused by repeated rubbing of skin against the rough, hardened inside on the shoe's box, especially if the shoes are poorly fitted. Blisters can be prevented or lessened by wrapping the toes with medical tape or by using padding.

Bunions

a joint deformity usually in the big toe caused by cramping of the toes within the shoe's box or by poorly fitted shoes. Dancers can prevent bunions by putting a spacer between the big toe and the next toe.

Bunionette

a joint deformity usually in the dancer's little toe.

Bursitis

Bursitis is the inflammation of one or more bursae (small sacs) of synovial fluid in the body. The bursae rest at the points where internal functionaries, such as muscles and tendons, slide across bone. Healthy bursae create a smooth, almost frictionless functional gliding surface, making normal movement painless. When bursitis occurs, however, movement relying upon the inflamed bursa becomes difficult and painful. Moreover, movement of tendons and muscles over the inflamed bursa aggravates its inflammation, perpetuating the problem.

Bruises

bruising is common on the tip of the toe, especially if no padding is used.

Bruised toenails

caused by heavy pressure on the front of the nail when the nail is not cut short. This can be very painful and may cause the dancer to burn a hole in the nail to relieve some of the pressure.

Calluses

Calluses are thickened areas of skin which form on the bottom and sides of the feet. While a small amount may be helpful, too much callusing can indicate poor posture or poorly fitted shoes. Especially thick callus may crack or bleed and can be painful, causing a burning sensation. Calluses can be kept under control by soaking the feet in warm water and mild soap for 10 – 15 minutes. Excess callus can then be filed off gently, not removing the whole.

Contusion

A bruise, also called a contusion

Corns

Corns result from incorrectly fitted shoes and form in places that do not bear weight.

Cuts between the toes

Cuts can occur between toes as a result of the pressure of a dancer's toenails digging into the toes next to them. However, with proper trimming, filing and fitting, this can usually be prevented.

Dancer's heel (Plantar fasciitis)

When the tendon on the instep of the foot tightens, causing the instep and heel to hurt very badly.

dorsal exostosis

Extensor tendinitis

Hallux limitus and rigidus

Hammer toes

when the toes bend up permanently at the middle joint.

Ingrown toenails

Jammed big toes

Neuromas

Sesamoiditis

Sprained ankles

Stress fractures

Thickened toenails

Tendonitis, most commonly Achilles Tendinitis