A Review of the Most Common Injuries in Dancers and Therapeutic Options

Abstract

Sports injuries, including those from dance, are an apparent problem across the United States and United Kingdom with millions of injuries being acquired daily. These injuries can both hinder an individual's day-to-day activities and hamper performances by extending the period of sustained injury and impacting technique. This study details injury prevalence as well as a variety of rehabilitation methods used to treat a specific highly prevalent injury within dance [flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendinopathy]. The FHL tendon is in the posterior area of the fibula and aids one in conducting plantar flexions. When dysfunction occurs, leading to FHL tendinopathy, this can result in negatively impacting the range of motion in the foot and restricting an individual from many movements. Because FHL tendinopathy is classified as an "overuse" injury, the effects upon an individual such as inflammation and discomfort can worsen the more the tendon is used. By collecting studies detailing impacts upon ballet dancers and sports dancers from varying populations to conduct a systematic review using PubMed, the study can build upon the differences in therapies applied to improve patients’ health after contracting FHL tendinopathy. The study also brings into focus other related conditions such as plantar fasciitis which develops due to straining the plantar fascia ligament. After thoroughly conducting a systematic review, it was determined that conservative management with physical therapy, heel raises, and laser treatment are the most effective in reducing pain as well as shortening the amount of time spent injured.