Gymnastics & Dance
As a sport, gymnastics is one of the most physically demanding. To develop the power and grace that characterizes the sport, the gymnast at times appears to literally defy gravity. It’s no wonder the sport is possibly the most injury prone of any other. In reality, dance, especially certain dance styles are no less demanding. Dancing places physical stress on the foot and ankle increasing the risk of injury. Ballet dancers also have an added risk of foot and ankle injury because of specific positions which can affect toes and the balls of the feet.
The bottom line is that both gymnastics and dance depend on healthy feet and ankles in optimum condition to perform at peak levels.
The Achilles tendon may also suffer small or large tears. They can occur gradually or suddenly. In a worst-case scenario, the Achilles tendon may rupture completely requiring surgery to repair and a long time to heal and rehabilitate. Once healed, physical therapy can be employed to restore your range of motion.
The Achilles tendon, stretches from the calf muscle to the heel and although it is the strongest tendon in the body, it is prone to overuse injuries. Normal play and moves in many sports and activities place incredible stress on the tendon making it prone to tendonitis. This inflammation of the tendon leads to pain and stiffness in the calf and a limited range of motion.
Ankle Impingement Syndrome may be anterior or posterior (front or back) of the ankle. This injury is the result of bone structures that pinch the soft tissue when the ankle is pointed in one direction or the other. It typically manifests after repeated micro traumas to the ankle and causes pain and discomfort. Your body responds by building extra bone tissue to protect against further injury.
Dancer’s Fracture or fifth metatarsal fracture is often the result of landing awkwardly on the outside portion of the foot or twisting the ankle.
Plantar Fasciitis is an inflammation of the Plantar Fasciia. It is a thick band of tissue at the bottom of your foot that runs from your heel to toes. It is an injury that can occur all at once due to an accident, fall, sudden impact and overstretching. It can also occur over time progressing due repetitive movement and overuse. It can become debilitating.
While tendons and muscles bend and stretch, your bones are rigid. When especially young athletes place constant stress on their bones, this injury can occur. A stress fracture is a small crack in the bone brought on by repeated direct stress to a particular spot.
Gymnastics and dance are two of the most physically demanding sports. With gravity-defying moves so common in these activities, foot and ankle injuries are extremely common too. You can however, reduce your potential risk of these injuries by maintaining optimum foot and ankle flexibility and strength to maximize mobility by using AnkleSTONE® as part of your daily conditioning program. Should an injury occur, seek medical attention to accurately diagnose and treat your injury. Once cleared for rehabilitation, use AnkleSTONE® therapy to restore range-of-motion, flexibility and mobility. AnkleSTONE® therapy can be extremely effective at easing and even eliminating the pain caused by many injuries. Always make sure you are cleared by your medical professional to begin physical therapy before exercising with AnkleSTONE®.
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