Plantar Fibromas and Ballet Dancers

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Feet are a dancer’s foundation. To glide around the floor, jump, leap and land, feet are needed to execute even the smallest movement. Unfortunately, due to the stress and strain put on feet during dance, injuries are common.

Dr. Tina Boucher, foot specialist in Meriden, CT treats ballet dancers specifically on a regular basis. The types of movement required in ballet take a tremendous amount of strength and training and when you add in wearing pointe shoes, dancers are prone to foot pain.

A common ballet injury is plantar fibromas. On the bottom of your foot runs a thick band of tissue called the plantar fascia. Plantar fibromas grow deep inside the bottom of your foot on the plantar fascia. They are benign tissue growths or tumors that can cause significant pain and pressure on other parts of the foot. These growths can also cause secondary foot problems to develop.

Certain movements, injury or overuse can cause a plantar fibroma to develop. They typically start out small but often get larger and more painful over time. Unfortunately, a plantar fibroma will not go away on its own. Relieving pressure on the arch of your foot is the first step in treating a plantar fibroma. Custom orthotics and cortisone injections can often provide relief but there are cases when surgical intervention is the only way to full treat the problem.

Surgery can often lead to further complications so Dr. Boucher is proud to be able to offer another form of treatment called cryosurgery. This is a short procedure, with little to no pain that gets you back to wearing shoes and on your feet within 48 hours. For more information about cryosurgery or treatment for a plantar fibroma or other dance injury, please contact our podiatric office for help. You can request an appointment by calling (203) 238-3668 or online at www.centralctfootcare.com.

Related articles

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Preventing Injuries in Dance
• Coming Back From a Dancing Injury