[Guest]

I have an adolescent dancer at my dance studio who has recently been diagnosed with sesmoiditis. She takes ballet and does pointe work as well. X-rays were negative for fracture. She is currently on a three week rest/no dance course of treatment. Do NSAIDS work for the pain and swelling? Other suggestions to hasten the healing process. She is scheduled for a performance in June, what is the time frame for her recovery? Will dancing continue to inflame and aggravate this injury? What causes the onset of sesmoiditis? She has no preciptitating factors or injury that we can determine by history. Thanks for your any advice you can offer.

[Guest]

Dancers who get sesamoiditis can have a difficult time returning to dancing without the problem reoccurring. There is inflammation in the sesamoid area due to the direct pressure on the balls of the feet and the lack of cushioned shoe wear. The onset can be gradual or caused by a sudden awkward landing. NSAIDS can work but all treatment options should be discussed with her physician. The time frame for recovery is variable and may become a nagging injury. Therefore, a gradual return to dancing would be recommended.
[quote] I have an adolescent dancer at my dance studio who has recently been diagnosed with sesmoiditis. She takes ballet and does pointe work as well... [/quote]