Coming Back From a Dancing Injury

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Just like fingers and the wrist are crucial to the performance of a concert violinist, feet and ankles are the foundation for a dancer’s body. When injury strikes, the music stops and the show and possibly a career can be over.

How can I bounce back from a dance injury?

With the stress put on feet and ankles during dance, it may be inevitable to avoid some type of injury. Dr. Tina Boucher is a foot specialist in Meriden, CT that treats dancers and athletes on a regular basis. Ankle sprains, knee pain, hip inflammation and back strain are common dance injuries. When an injury does occur, it will be quick action in regards to treatment and rehabilitation that will ensure you can quickly get back on your feet.

If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury during dance that doesn’t require emergency help, observe proper home treatment until you can see a podiatrist. First apply the RICE method of rest, ice, compression and elevation. Stay off your feet and wrap a bandage around the injured area. Make an appointment with Dr. Boucher who can accurately assess the severity of your injury. This is important to ensure you are getting the right treatment. Whether it is through physical therapy, strengthening exercises or custom orthotics to help stabilize your feet, Dr. Boucher will provide treatment tailored to your needs.

The right treatment and rehabilitation are the essentials to coming back from a dancing injury. Dr. Boucher and her friendly staff at Central Connecticut Footcare Center are here to help. Call us today (203) 238-3668 with any questions or to schedule an appointment. Visit us online at www.centralctfootcare.com.

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Aerobic Dance Injuries

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Aerobic dance made a huge leap onto the health scene in the 1980s and has remained a popular choice until today. With its mix of aerobic exercise and popular dance moves, it is a great way to stay fit for anyone at any age. A typical class offers the opportunity for you to reduce stress, strengthen your heart and lungs, lower your cholesterol and improve circulation.

As a foot specialist who regularly treats dancers and sports enthusiasts, Dr. Tina Boucher knows well the dangers that can lurk in an aerobic dance studio. Many of the classes offered today can be more high impact in nature with jumping, landing and side-to-side movements. First off, poor footwear will highly increase your chance of injury. The impact in aerobics can be up to six times the force of gravity so your feet and ankles will need proper cushioning and support to deal with the demands in the class.

Injuries of the feet, ankles, knees, hips and lower back are common in aerobics. The key to preventing injuries is going to start with choosing a class that fits your fitness level. Overusing untrained muscles is a recipe for disaster. Start at a low-impact level and work your way up. Make sure you have a well-trained and informed instructor who can ensure you are having the correct form as well when performing the movements. Take the time your body needs to properly stretch and cool down as well.

Has the moving and shaking in aerobics led to an injury for you? If you have any foot pain during or after a class, please come in and see us. Dr. Boucher can diagnose the cause, get the right treatment started so you don’t miss a beat! Make an appointment at our podiatric office by calling (203) 238-3668 or visit us at www.centralctfootcare.com.

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Preventing Injuries in Dance

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“You’ve gotta dance like nobody’s watching, love like you’ll never be hurt, sing like nobody’s listening and live like it’s heaven on earth.” –William W. Purkey

If you are a dedicated dancer, you might not feel like it is heaven on earth if you are dancing with foot pain. Dr. Tina Boucher, foot specialist in Meriden, CT experiences first hand the risks in dance as she treats dance patients on a regular basis. Preventing will avoid lamenting when it comes to keeping feet safe and healthy.

Dancing can take a toll on your entire body and feet often take the brunt of the stress. If you are out of shape and your feet are not accustomed to the demands, injury can be lurking around the corner. Some of the common injuries Dr. Tina treats include:

• Sprained ankles

• Strained muscles

• Blisters

• Heel and arch pain

Muscles that are tight are more prone to injury. Take the time to properly stretch and condition leg and foot muscles. Bring a small tennis ball with you and glide your foot over it to stretch out your arch. Most styles of dance are filled with spins, turns, jumping and landing. It is important to be very aware of how you are performing movements. Stay within your ability level and ensure that you are using the correct technique. Landing improperly not only puts your feet and ankles at risk but your knees, hips and back as well.

Footwear also plays another important role in preventing injuries. Make sure you are fitted with appropriate, properly fitting shoes. If you are required to wear heels, choose a pair with low heels that comfortably fit feet and toes. Practicing and performing long term in poor shoes is just inviting foot pain.

If you are a dancer in need of treatment for foot or ankle pain, we can help! Dr. Boucher is highly experienced helping dancers get back on their feet. Contact us today (203) 238-3668 or visit www.centralctfootcare.com for more information.

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