Diagnosis and Management of Foot and Ankle Injuries in Dancers

Dance is a popular activity throughout the world. There are many styles of dance, each having distinct physical demands and injury patterns. Healthcare providers should have some familiarity with the typical injuries seen in the dancer’s foot and ankle. Along with strong physical exam skills, an understanding of the best imaging options is paramount. High-resolution ultrasound can often be used as reliably as MRI for many of these diagnoses. The present article aims to brief the regional anatomy, address the typical presentation, and review exam findings and management options for the care of dancers’ injuries in the foot and ankle.