The ballet en pointe position can cause a serious ankle injury. Indeed, behind the finesse and elegance that this position exudes, a nightmare lurks.
Introduction
During dorsiflexion and plantarflexion, the inferior tibiofibular joint separates and the fibula also moves up and down. If the movement of the fibula is compromised (for example, by restriction in the knee, by the action of the thigh muscles inserting over it, or by ligament disruption following an ankle injury), this will result in modification of the biomechanics of the ankle and disrupts the integrity of the foot.
Movement from fibula to ankle. As the ankle dorsiflexes, the anterior part of the talus that is wider from the talus wedges into the mortise and fibula rises. When the mortise is fully expanded, it prevents further dorsiflexion. During plantar flexion, the narrow part of the talus arises and the fibula descends.
So the foot is unstable when flexed, the ankle joint is at the narrowest part of the talus. Sports that require you to be on your toes (ballet) will have a higher chance of ankle injury. It is best to use an ankle support to prevent injury.
Prevention
- It is important to prepare the ankle by doing a warm-up before and a stretch after doing ballet.
- Have reasonable rest periods between practices.
- Use an ankle tape to help support the ankle.
- Use support stockings.
