Tendinitis

A more serious problem is Achilles tendinitis. Pain on or around the Achilles tendon is a clear signal that bad habits have developed and the foot is not working correctly. As soon as pain in this area develops, the student should immediately notify the teacher and STOP all dancing. For three days, the dancer should completely rest, elevate, and ice the injured area. With a doctor's permission, taking aspirin, ibuprofen, or another anti-inflammatory medicine may help reduce tendon inflammation, as well as relieve the pain.

After 3 days of complete rest, the dancer should begin barre work cautiously, after first warming the area with warm water, a heating pad, or leg warmer. The leg warmer should only be worn to warm up the area. Once class begins, it should be removed so that the teacher can watch carefully for signs of improper alignment such as rolling in or "sickling" the foot.

At first, all relevés, pointe work, and jumps should be avoided. Add only a few at a time and only if no pain persists.

If any pain persists or develops, the dancer needs to stop immediately and give the area more rest, elevation, and ice.

Tendinitis, if cared for immediately, usually responds to the above therapy. If allowed to persist, it can become chronic and very difficult to cure. This is not an injury to suffer through.