Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 12/1/2008

Question
Hello,
I have been taking ballet for years.

I fall when I do pirouette, especially multiple pirouette,  because i feel the pain with the ball of my feet.
I have not injured my foot.
what can I do?

thank you for your help.
Kaz.

Answer
Hi Kaz. While I hate to be the one to tell you, I think you HAVE injured your foot. There is some inflammation in there that is coming from some kind of strain on the area.

I recommend that you see either a chiropractor or a podiatrist. Some soft tissues in the joint area you are feeling have been damaged somehow - or the bones in the area are very out of alignment - or something else may be wrong.

You must pay attention when you get that kind of pain. The solution may be very simple - but you must find out what it is. If you have never seen a chiropractor or podiatrist before, call a few in your area and ask if they have treated dance or sports injuries. Or, ask at your ballet studio or even call a local professional ballet or modern dance company and ask who they go to.

Right now, this minute, you can put an ice pack on the area. Even if it doesn't hurt now. That can't hurt, and may help if there is inflammation in there. Just 5-10 minutes.

All the best with this, Dianne.