Dancers feet are always movingDancers feet are always moving


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Dancers feet are always moving

Dancers seem so glamorous moving about on the stage, but when they head backstage and take off their shoes you see a much less glamourous picture. Staying on your feet and executing those tricky moves takes a lot of work and puts an awful lot of pressure on the feet. We work with the dance companies to help rehabilitate their dancers after injuries, as well as strengthening and supporting the dancers feet to prevent injuries occuring in the first place. If you are a dancer or work with dancers, this site has ways you can practically support a dancer's feet to keep them performing.

Could You Have Haglund's Deformity?

If you tend to wear certain types of shoes or do a lot of pavement running, you could develop Haglund's deformity. This unusual foot condition worsens if you don't take steps to prevent it. Fortunately, you and your NDIS podiatry provider can help with Haglund's deformity before you would need surgery. Read on to learn more about this foot problem and its common treatments.

What Is Haglund's Deformity?

Haglund's deformity is unusual bone growth near where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel. The bone grows slowly over time, so you can have this issue long before you notice discomfort. Often, this bump forms below the top of the shoes and presses against the heel counter. It can also irritate and swelling to the surrounding tissue. This deformity can make wearing many types of shoes difficult and painful.

Who Gets Haglund's Deformity?

Like many other foot problems, a primary cause of Haglund's deformity is poor footwear. Shoes with rigid backs are often the problem. Any other problems with your feet, like high arches and overpronation, could put you at a higher risk for this deformity. You can also have a genetic predisposition to it.

How Is Haglund's Deformity Different From Tendinitis?

Haglund's deformity and tendinitis often have similar symptoms. You may also feel pain similar to plantar fasciitis with Haglund's deformity. The unusual bone growth affects several tissues. Achilles tendinitis creates pain and swelling at the base of an inflamed tendon.

What Treatments Help With Haglund's Deformity?

The good news is you can treat this condition without surgery if you catch it early. Medical treatments revolve around reducing irritation and inflammation around the deformity. You may also need to change your footwear or wear backless shoes while you heal. Changing to shoes with more flexible heels or inserting heel pads may also help.

How Can One Prevent Haglund's Deformity?

The best way to reduce your chance of Haglund's deformity is to take good care of your feet. Reduce the length of time and frequency of wearing stiff-heeled shoes. Use ice to reduce pain and swelling from swelling. Try to run on softer surfaces when possible. Also, warm-up and cool-down after heavy exercise.

Whether you have Haglund's deformity or chronic Achilles tendon issues, get treatment right away. The longer you wait, the more severe and long-lasting problems you will have in the future. Since your feet are critical to your mobility, don't push through on heel pain like this. See your NDIS podiatry provider for help and information.

For more information on Haglund's deformity, contact an NDIS podiatry provider near you.