Dancers' overuse injuries in the foot, ankle and hip

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 18 prospective studies of professional and pre-professional modern and contemporary dancers found that the lower extremity is the most frequently injured body region. Within it, the ankle and foot were most exposed [1].

In a review of ballet dancers, hamstring strain and ankle tendon disorders were among the most frequently reported conditions [4]. The review found no studies of retired dancers, so the long-term consequences of a dance career are not known [4].

Overuse is reported as the dominant injury mechanism [1]. The authors of a review of injuries in dance estimate that overuse accounts for about 75 per cent of injuries. They point out that dancers train with highly repetitive and demanding movements, that rehearsal days can last six to eight hours, and that holiday breaks can last up to three months [3].

Injuries appear to be related to changes in load over the year, for example when dancers return after a holiday or move from rehearsals to performances. The authors draw here on experience from sports medicine, and stress that the relationship has not been studied in dance in the same way [3].

In the meta-analysis, a previous injury was associated with a higher risk of a new injury. Age, sex and type of educational programme showed no clear association with injury. These are statistical associations, and the authors themselves say that the underlying mechanisms have not been established [1].

Hip and groin injuries receive less attention than foot and ankle injuries in dance medicine research. A systematic review from 2017 gathered 13 studies and concluded that hip and groin injuries are an important health problem for dancers at all levels [2].

The injuries appeared to be more frequent among professional dancers than among students. The review found 128 hip and groin injuries among 462 professional dancers and 217 injuries among 1,539 dance students. The authors point out that the data have many limitations [2].

The studies use different definitions of injury and different samples of dancers. In the meta-analysis of modern and contemporary dancers the differences between the studies were very large, which makes it difficult to state a single common injury rate [1]. The findings apply to groups of dancers and say little about how an individual will fare.

The sources used here describe occurrence and risk factors. They do not provide a basis for saying which treatment or training suits a particular injury in dancers. Such assessments must be made from an examination of the individual.

A physiotherapist can examine where the pain is, look at movement patterns and load in training and performances, and together with you make a plan for further training. The page about physiotherapy describes what an appointment involves. If you have twisted your ankle, you can read about ankle sprains.

Which injuries are most common in dancers?

The lower body is most frequently affected, and the ankle and foot most often [1]. Among ballet dancers, hamstring strain and ankle tendon disorders are among the most frequently reported conditions [4].

Why do dancers get overuse injuries?

Overuse is regarded as the most common mechanism. Dancers train with many repetitions, and injuries appear to be related to changes in load through the year [1][3].

Are hip injuries common in dancers?

A review from 2017 concludes that hip and groin injuries are an important health problem for dancers at all levels. The data have many limitations [2].

Does a previous injury increase the risk of a new one?

In a meta-analysis of modern and contemporary dancers, a previous injury was associated with a higher risk of a new injury. This is a statistical association, and the cause has not been established [1].

Pain in the hip and groin can have several causes. Read about snapping hip and the article on groin pain in athletes. You can find more articles in the overview of articles.

This article was written by Dr.Dropin Fysikalske and is based on the sources listed below. It gives general information and does not replace an examination by a healthcare professional.

The websites were accessed and read on 22 October 2026.

1. Sun Y, Liu H. Prevalence and risk factors of musculoskeletal injuries in modern and contemporary dancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Public Health. 2024;12:1325536. Link

2. Hip and groin injuries in dancers: a systematic review. Sports Health. 2017. Link

3. Fuller M, Moyle G, Minett G. When do injuries occur in dance? A systematic review and discussion of training load. Conference paper, 26th Annual Conference of the International Association for Dance Medicine and Science, Hong Kong, 2016. Link

4. Smith T, Davies L, de Medici A, Hakim A, Haddad F, Macgregor A. Prevalence and profile of musculoskeletal injuries in ballet dancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Phys Ther Sport. 2016;19:50-56. doi:10.1016/j.ptsp.2015.12.007. Link