At North Star Podiatry, we understand that dance is more than just movement—it's your passion. Our podiatrists are not only experts in treating foot and lower limb conditions, but they are also dancers themselves. This unique combination means we know first-hand the physical demands of dance, and we are committed to helping you stay on stage, in the studio, or wherever your dance journey takes you. We know that injury doesn’t just affect your body—it impacts your ability to pursue what you love. It's never our goal to tell you to stop dancing. Instead, we work with you to manage and prevent injuries so you can keep moving with confidence.
Dancers commonly experience specific lower limb injuries due to the intense and repetitive movements required in various forms of dance. Some of the most common injuries we treat include ankle sprains, which occur from rolling or twisting the ankle during jumps or turns, and Achilles tendonitis, caused by overuse of the Achilles tendon from constant jumping or pointe work. Additionally, plantar fasciitis, which results in pain along the bottom of the foot, is a frequent complaint due to overuse or improper footwear.
We also address stress fractures, tiny cracks in the bones that develop from repetitive impact, and shin splints (medial tibial stress syndrome), which cause pain along the shin from repeated jumping or running movements. Our podiatrists are also skilled in treating sesamoiditis, inflammation of the small bones under the big toe from excessive pressure, and patellar tendonitis (jumper’s knee), which results from strain on the tendon below the kneecap due to repetitive jumps.
Other conditions we frequently see are meniscus tears, which involve the cartilage in the knee and can be caused by deep bends or twisting, and anterior impingement syndrome, which creates pain in the front of the ankle due to soft tissue being pinched during extreme foot flexion. Lastly, we treat metatarsal stress injuries, which cause pain in the bones of the foot due to repeated pressure from dance movements.
At North Star Podiatry, we don’t just treat your injuries—we understand the need to prevent future ones. We take a holistic approach to care, offering custom orthotics, footwear advice, and strengthening exercises specifically tailored to dancers. Because we’re dancers ourselves, we know the importance of proper foot mechanics and conditioning to ensure you can continue to perform without pain or limitation.
Our goal is to help you recover and prevent further injuries while supporting your passion for dance. We’re here to keep you on your feet, whether you’re practicing at the barre, performing on stage, or working through a challenging routine. With our dancer-podiatrists by your side, you’ll have the expertise and understanding you need to continue pursuing your love for dance, no matter the challenges you face.
