Athletes or Artists?
have an indented center and are white and spongy;
they are only found between the phalanges.
Corns form on the outermost layer of epidermis on
the feet as a result of increased friction or pressure
of the ankle. Elasticized strapping of the ankle and
good shank support in the shoe may keep the dancer
active. If the great toe continues to “lock” when the
dancer is en pointe, surgery may be necessary to
repair the tendon.
upon the skin. In dancers, corns are not only
common, but sometimes necessary to offer protection
and support in areas of repetitive stress. Corns, as
distinct from calluses (hyperkeratotic tissue) are
4Nails
4Patella Femoral Syndrome
sensitive to pressure when applied to their cores. In
addition to debridement or enucleation, if the corn is
painful, offloading within the shoe will help to reduce
pressure on sensitive areas. Corn sleeves and sponge
or silicone spacers between the toes can help and
custom orthotics prescribed to offload the metatarsals
or prevent overpronation can prevent excessive callus
build up.
Flexor Hallucis Longus (FHL) Tenosynovitis
(trigger toe):
Commonly, following prolonged overuse, a nodule
may develop on the medial side in the FHL tendon
near the ankle. This causes a clicking and forces the
hallux to stick in the plantar-flexed position. Due to
the basic movements required in ballet, the dancer
may complain of pain and crepitus on the medial side
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Pedorthic Footcare Association | www.pedorthics.org
Haglund’s Deformity (pump bump):
Distinct from retrocalcaneal bursitis, which is an
inflammation of the bursa between the posterior
4Plantar Fasciitis
and superior portion of the calcaneus and Achilles
tendon, Haglund’s deformity is a bony exostosis at
the posterior, medial or lateral aspect of the heel
below the Achilles tendon attachment. Both these
conditions are associated with tight fitting shoes
and aggravated by footwear causing friction around
the posterior calcaneal tuberosity. As footwear
causes this condition, it is usually footwear that can
conservatively reduce swelling and pain. If possible,
suggest an open-heeled shoe (mule) or sandal, at
least when the patient is not dancing. When active,
elevating the heel with a lift inside the shoe can
reduce tension. Soft padding or a thin gel strip around
the topline of the shoe will ease discomfort but may
end up compromising the fit. Look for a shoe with an
Achilles tendon notch, a common feature in athletic
shoes. A donut-shaped pad adhered to the posterior