Common Injuries in Young Dancers: Ballet & Rhythmic Gymnastics

With over 20 years of experience treating dancers, Dr Philip Wrotslavsky DPM FACFAS founder of the Advanced Foot and Ankle Center of San Diego understands the unique physical demands placed on young ballet dancers and rhythmic gymnasts. These athletes push their bodies to achieve extraordinary movements, often leading to overuse injuries if not properly managed.

By focusing on accurate diagnosis, personalized treatment plans, and proactive injury prevention, Advanced Foot and Ankle Center of San Diego has successfully helped countless young dancers recover and return to performing at their best. Below are three of the most common injuries seen in young dancers, along with effective treatment and prevention strategies.

1. Ankle Sprains and Instability

Why It Happens

Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments supporting the ankle are overstretched or torn. This frequently happens when a dancer lands incorrectly from a jump, rolls through an unstable pointe position, or missteps on demi-pointe. Recurrent sprains can lead to chronic instability, increasing the risk of long-term damage.

Treatment & Prevention

• Early Intervention – Immediate treatment reduces swelling and prevents further injury. Initial management includes immobilization, compression, and ice therapy.
• Strength & Stability Training – Customized rehabilitation programs focus on strengthening the foot and ankle muscles to restore stability and prevent future injuries.
• Proprioception Exercises – Balance and coordination drills, such as single-leg exercises and controlled landings, improve neuromuscular control and reduce the risk of re-injury.
• Taping & Bracing – For dancers prone to recurrent sprains, temporary bracing or taping techniques may be recommended during performances or intense training periods.

2. Stress Fractures

Why It Happens

Stress fractures are tiny cracks in the bone caused by repetitive impact and overuse. In dancers, they often occur in the metatarsals (foot bones) and tibia (shin bone). Overtraining, improper flooring, and nutritional deficiencies can contribute to the development of stress fractures.

Treatment & Prevention

• Accurate Diagnosis – Clinical assessment and imaging, such as X-rays or MRIs, are used to confirm stress fractures and determine their severity.
• Activity Modification – While rest is crucial, maintaining strength through modified training is essential to avoid muscle atrophy.
• Nutritional Guidance – Ensuring adequate calcium, vitamin D, and overall nutrition supports optimal bone health and prevents future fractures.
• Gradual Return to Dance – A structured return-to-dance program focuses on progressive load-bearing activities to prevent re-injury and rebuild endurance.

3. Achilles Tendinitis

Why It Happens

Achilles tendinitis results from repetitive strain on the Achilles tendon, often due to excessive pointe work, overuse, or improper biomechanics. Without proper treatment, the condition can progress to a chronic issue, leading to prolonged recovery times.

Treatment & Prevention

• Eccentric Strengthening – Heel-lowering exercises are incorporated to rebuild tendon strength while reducing inflammation.
• Biomechanical Assessment & Correction – A thorough evaluation of technique, foot alignment, and muscle imbalances helps address movement patterns that may be overloading the tendon.
• Soft Tissue Therapy – Manual therapy, massage, and modalities such as shockwave therapy can improve circulation and accelerate healing.
• Gradual Load Progression – A structured rehabilitation program ensures a safe return to training, gradually reintroducing jumping and pointe work.

Conclusion

For over 20 years, Dr. Wrotslavsky has provided expert care for dancers, ensuring they receive specialized treatment tailored to their unique needs. By prioritizing proper technique, strength training, and early intervention, young dancers can minimize their risk of injury and continue to perform at their highest level.

Pain should never be ignored. Addressing injuries early leads to better outcomes and a stronger, more resilient dancer. If heel pain, ankle instability, or tendon issues are affecting performance, seeking professional care can make all the difference in a dancer’s long-term health and success.