Pointe-related injuries
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Dancing en pointe can place severe stress on the dancer's feet causing pointe-related injuries.
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- Achilles tendonitis
- Athlete's foot
- Athlete's foot is a fungal infection which grows in a dark, moist environment such as that of a perspiring foot in tight, closed shoes. It is also contagious. It can be prevented by washing the feet once a day and if contracted, can be cured by over-the-counter remedies or a prescribed anti-fungal.
- Blisters
- Blisters are caused by repeated rubbing of skin against the rough hardened inside of the shoe's box. Shoes that fit incorrectly can cause blisters, as can the breaking in process. Blisters should be dealt with before they burst or become infected. Blisters can be prevented or lessened by carefully wrapping the dancer's toes with medical tape, or using some type of thin padding.
- Bunions
- a bone deformity usually in the dancer's big toe, caused by cramping of the toes within the shoe's box. Dancers can prevent bunions by putting a spacer between the big toe and the next toe and wearing properly fitted shoes.
- Bunionette
- Bursitis
- Bruised toenails
- caused by heavy pressure on the front of the nail. This can be very painful.
- 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.
- Contusions
- 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 and filing, this can usually be prevented.
- Dancer's heel
- Dermatitis
- Dermatitis is caused by allergens or stress, resulting in skin irritation which manifests in itching, burning, or reddened areas. Contact dermatitis is caused by skin contact with an allergen; neurodermatitis is related to stress.
- Dorsal exostosis
- Extensor tendonitis
- Fungus nails
- Hallux limitus and rigidus
- Hammertoes
- Heel bruises
- Heel spurs
- Ingrown toenails
- Jammed big toes
- Neuromas
- Posterior impingement syndrome
- Plantar fascitis
- Plantar warts
- Sesamoiditis
- Sprained ankle
- Stress fractures
- Thickened toenails
[edit] References
Barringer, Janice; Schlesinger, Sarah [1998] (2004). The Pointe Book, 2nd ed., Hightstown, NJ: Princeton Book Company, Publishers. ISBN 0-87127-261-X.
