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Updated: Jun 16, 2026
09:14
A Mouse Model of Ankle-Subtalar Complex Joint Instability
Published on: October 28, 2022
Overuse ankle injuries in professional Irish dancers
R J Walls1, S A Brennan, P Hodnett
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Cappagh National Orthopaedic Hospital, Finglas, Dublin, Ireland. raywalls1@hotmail.com
Summary
Overuse ankle injuries are common in professional Irish dancers, with Achilles tendinopathy and plantar fasciitis being the most frequent. Early intervention with exercises and stretching may help prevent these common dance injuries.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Dance Science
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Overuse ankle injuries are documented in elite athletes and ballet dancers.
- The specific injury profile in professional Irish dancers remains undefined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define the spectrum of overuse ankle injuries in professional Irish dancers.
- To investigate the prevalence and types of ankle pathologies in this population.
Main Methods:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the right ankle was used to assess injury prevalence.
- Foot and ankle outcome scores (AOFAS and FAOS) were collected via self-report questionnaires.
- A troupe of actively performing Irish dancers (n=18) was recruited for the study.
Main Results:
- Radiological abnormalities were present in 15 out of 18 ankles (83%).
- Achilles tendinopathy (n=14) and plantar fasciitis (n=7) were the most prevalent conditions.
- Sub-clinical conditions were common, with limited correlation between MRI findings and clinical scores. Ankle pain correlated with impaired functional levels.
Conclusions:
- Overuse ankle injuries are highly prevalent in professional Irish dancers.
- Eccentric exercises and plantar fascia stretching are recommended to benefit this athletic group.
- Targeted interventions may mitigate the risk of developing common dance-related ankle pathologies.
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