Dancing and Your Feet

Dancing and Your Feet

Dancing is a beautiful artistic endeavor, but, unfortunately, it can cause a number of foot­related conditions in the artist. If you’re a dancer, whether it’s for fun or your profession, learn more about dancing and how it can affect your feet. It’s wise to maintain regular appointments with a trusted podiatrist to ensure the ongoing health of your feet.

How Dancing Puts Wear and Tear on Your Feet

Some people don’t realize that dancing is a very demanding sport. Dancers put as much wear, tear and strain on their feet as sports athletes do. Ballerinas, in particular, have to manage a variety of foot and toe­related complications because of their shoes and the need to dance on tip­toes. Ballroom dancers also spend hours on their feet, performing complex movements that involve their feet, toes, ankles and legs. Even hip­hop and step dancers often have problems due to putting frequent pressure on certain areas of the feet and stomping down on them. 

Common foot conditions related to dancing include:

  • Corns and calluses
  • Bruises, wounds and ulcers around the toes or underfoot
  • Hammertoe syndrome
  • Bunions
  • Heel spurs/plantar fasciitis
  • Missing toenails

Pull Out Your “Dancing Shoes”

The shoes that you wear while dancing can have a major effect on the health of your feet. Invest in shoes or orthotics that are specifically designed for the type of dancing that you enjoy—even if they are a bit more expensive than what you find in regular stores. For instance, female ballroom dancers need high­heeled dancing shoes that can absorb shock, cushion the heel and relieve pressure on the parts of the foot that often come in hard contact with the floor. Flexible orthotic insoles are available for ballet shoes that can help give the feet more support.

Foot Therapy for Dancers

Regular visits to your podiatrist are also crucial to keeping your feet healthy when you’re a dancer. Podiatrists can help by administering physical therapy and foot exercises designed to strengthen the tendons and muscles of your feet. Ice massage and soaking the feet can also help to relieve symptoms. A podiatrist may also prescribe NSAIDS (non­steroidal anti-inflammatory medications) for pain relief.

You can pursue the art of dancing without sacrificing the health and wellness of your feet. Schedule a visit with a podiatrist to talk about preventative solutions and relief of symptoms that you’re currently experiencing.