Dance Away Your Foot Injuries with These Common Treatments

Long established as a physically taxing and emotionally bruising art form, dancing is celebrated for the creativity and limitless precision that is often exerted by a dancer. The dedication that this breeds for those participating in this active art form, however, requires even the most experienced dancers to be exceptionally sensitive to the health and condition of their feet.

But what about those just deciding to get involved in the art of dance as more than just a hobby?

Interestingly enough, the ABC television network has offered a clear vantage point into those contestants that have quickly been drafted into the school of podiatric preparedness. Specifically, with the rush of voluminous dance routines, many of the contestants on "Dancing with the Stars" (DWTS) who have never spent a significant deal of time dancing in a professional manner have been subject to foot injury. As summarized by the American Podiatric Medical Association, please find a synopsis below about some of the common foot ailments afflicting some of the DWTS contestants and the treatments they have sought to remedy their foot problems.

• "Tom Delay: Foot Stress Fracture - Stress fractures usually occur from overuse. Repeated impact or stresses on the bone can lead to a small crack and continued activity on the injured foot can cause the small fracture to penetrate completely through the bone. Pain and swelling will often indicate a pre-stress fracture and appropriate treatment at this stage age may avoid a complete stress fracture. Treatment from a podiatrist is imperative to minimize healing time."
  
• "Misty-May Treanor: Ruptured Achilles Tendon - The Achilles tendon runs from the heel to the calf and while it's the thickest and strongest tendon in the body, explosive activities such as jumping can be to blame for the rupture of the Achilles. The tendon is "ruptured" when a complete tear has taken place right above the ankle. There may be warning signs prior to the rupture including pain and swelling - early treatment by a podiatrist may avoid a rupture."
  
• "Lance Bass: Broken Toe - Broken toes are not uncommon in the sports world, they can occur from trauma or repetitive movement. Swelling, stiffness, bruising and even a deformed shape may indicate a broken toe. A podiatrist will take x-rays to confirm the break and then prescribe appropriate treatment. In serious cases taping, casting or surgery may be necessary."
  
• "Kristi Yamaguchi: Ankle Injury - Ankle injuries, including sprains, most commonly occur when the ankle rolls outward, caused by activities done both during dancing and everyday life. There are varying degrees of an ankle sprain, and treatment from a podiatrist is always recommended."

In any event where you are confronted with a foot-related injury, please follow the the podiatric endorsed system of RICE, which is abbreviated for "rest," "ice," "compress," and "elevate."

(1) Rest your foot or ankle after injury--trying to mobilize yourself may worsen your condition or possibly complicate the original problem.

(2) Ice your foot or ankle as it regulates the amount of swelling caused by your injury.

(3) Compress your injury with bandages, which could help prevent further injury.

(4) Elevate your injury--please keep your foot or ankle in a position above your heart for the first 48 hours following your injury.

However, despite all of the precaution and treatments you can consider on your own accord, please see a podiatrist that could better serve your diagnosis and plan of treatment for your injury. As always, Advanced Footcare Clinic, located in Findlay, OH, will gladly assist you in your overall foot health needs.

For more information about the excerpt of contestants appearing on DWTS, please see the following link here.

Also, if your are further interested about your foot and ankle health, please see the American Podiatric Medical Association website at http://www.apma.org/.