| The human body is vulnerable to all kinds of injuries. | | | | compression, and elevation. It usually takes two to |
| There are more than 600 muscles in your body | | | | three weeks for an ankle to completely heal. It could |
| waiting to be strained. At least 206 bones are waiting | | | | take much longer if the injury is severe. And then, |
| to be broken. And then there are tendons and | | | | the child should still be checked to make sure the |
| ligaments waiting to be pulled or torn. Considering all | | | | ankle can withstand rehearsals and performance. If |
| that, it's no surprise that dancers are prone to all | | | | the injury is extreme, the child might require surgery. |
| types of injuries. | | | | Pulled Hamstring |
| Children that take lessons at kids dance studios have | | | | Dancing isn't a contact sport, but hamstring injuries |
| to guard against injuries. A good instructor will do | | | | do occur. The hamstring is a very important part of a |
| whatever it takes to protect children from injury. | | | | dancer's body. It's used in practically every |
| However, accidents do happen. There are two | | | | movement the lower body makes. When it becomes |
| injuries that young dancers experience quite often. | | | | stressed or too tight, an injury can occur. |
| Ankle Sprains | | | | Unfortunately, many people don't realize when they |
| A sprained ankle is a common mishap. In fact, it's | | | | have a hamstring injury. They might think all they |
| probably the most common mishap that dancers | | | | need to do is stretch more and things will get better. |
| face. An ankle that has been sprained in the past is | | | | But, that's the wrong thing to do. Stretching a pulled |
| more likely to be sprained again. It's easy to get an | | | | hamstring makes it worse. The hamstring should be |
| ankle injury. Performing a step wrong or landing | | | | allowed to heal first. Only then should stretching and |
| incorrectly after a leap are common invitations to | | | | strengthening exercises be performed. |
| ankle damage. | | | | Technique is Important |
| A child may not realize their ankle is injured when it | | | | Injuries are a part of a dancer's life. Luckily, the |
| first occurs. But pain when walking is the first sign. | | | | injuries usually aren't too serious or career ending. |
| There may also be swelling. In severe cases, the child | | | | Encourage your child to dance, but also encourage |
| might not be able to put any weight on the ankle at | | | | them to use proper technique. That's the best way |
| all. | | | | to minimize the possibility of injuries. |
| The best cure for a damaged ankle is rest, ice, | | | | |