Question
Hi Dr. Katz,
I am a ballroom dancer (have been dancing for the past 3 years, 3-6 times a week, 2-3 hours a day). I used to practice in shoes with 2.5" skinny heels, but now have more stable practice shoes with 1.5" heels.
About a year ago one of my feet began hurting, it was mostly in my heel and I could not wear any shoes with moderate heels (1"), although higher heels (dance shoes) felt fine.   I kept dancing, thinking that it will pass, and finally had to stop because it was hard to walk.  I saw several doctors  and was told that it is probably repeat stress injury. They also said I had flat feet and possibly mild tendonitis (achiles tendon).  I was receiving physical therapy and wearing orthopedic shoes for a few months, and my heel got better.  However, soon after I began dancing again, my ankle started hurting, so that I could barely walk and could not do one foot rises on that foot.  I stopped dancing again, and the pain improved, but came back as soon as I tried dancing agian.  I had an MRI done, but my podiatrist could not find anything wrong, except that he saw some water around my achiles tendon, and said that the tendon that goes on top of the ankle is very thin.  What could it be? And what can I do about it?  I am in the San Francisco area, do you know any podiatrists here that might be able to help? If not, how would I find someone show would know?

Thank you very much in advance.

~ Sofia

Answer
Hi Sofia,

It sounds like you have an overuse injury that occurs with the strain of dancing.  You have developed tendonitis.  The best thing you can do now is having the Achilles strenthened and stretched by physical therapy.  You may also benefit from custom orthotic devices.  Unfortunately there are times that an activity cannot be continued due to the stress it places on your foot and ankle.  The best way to find a podiatrist is to ask your primary dr or find a friend that has had a positive experience.

Sincerely,

Marc Katz, DPM
Tampa, FL
Advanced Podiatry
www.thetampapodiatrist.com
www.tampacryosurgery.com


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