II. Epidemiology
- Most common leg Tendinopathy in ballet dancers (en pointe position)
III. Causes
- Repetitive motion injury in dancers (related to the push off)
IV. Signs
- Pain and swelling over the posteromedial ankle
- Pain on resisted plantar flexion of great toe
- Deeper than achilles tendon
V. Differential Diagnosis
- Achilles Tendonitis
- Osteoarthritis
- Talus Osteochondritis
- Posterior Tibial Tendinopathy
VI. Management
- RICE-M
- Short leg immobilization (e.g. CAM walker boot) for 2-3 weeks
- Indicated in prolonged or refractory course
VII. Prevention
- Reduce hip turnout (so dancer stays directly over foot)
- Avoid hard floors as much as possible
- Core strengthening
- Firm supportive shoe