Dr. Brummer
Dr. Brummer is a successful podiatrist and expresses the importance of caring for your feet and ankles throughout your dance career:
Anatomy of the toe:
Toenail is nestled in the nail bed, and surrounded by nail folds.
Sub Blomia Flotoma is when the nail is bruised. Depending on how much of the nail is bruised, the nail can fall off.
Friction makes blisters (feet move in pointe shoe = blisters).
Blister is an inflammation of fluid in the skin.
Calluses and corns are from friction.
When blisters, cracks, or cuts develop, it opens areas for fungus and bacteria to infect.
Bacteria can enter under or around nails, resulting in various nail infection (brittle, yellow nails).
Telling teacher/doctors about injuries is very important. If not, the condition can become worse. Odds are, the doctor will be able to come to a compromise with dancer, regarding ability to dance.
The Achilles tendon enters in heel bone. The tendon is easily inflamed. Stretching the tendon, is ideal in avoiding Achilles injury (tendinitis).
Anatomy of the Ankle:
Three ligaments outside
One large ligament inside ankle
Common injuries:
Plantar fasciitis
Ankles sprains
Long term problems happen to wide range of ages and genders. Some of these problems/deformities are from genetics:
Bunion/Bunionette
Mal aligned movement can result in long term problems, such as arthritis, and can also effect the ability to walk.
Most important in foot care is to have a first aid kit, and wear proper passing in pointe shoes. Lastly, it is crucial to have a pointe shoe fitting with a professional, to ensure healthy feet in the future.
Contact
John J. Brummer, DPM FACFAS
Tel: (212) 877-1969