Bunions in Dancers

Although dancers put a great deal of stress through the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ), it is unlikely that dancing causes bunions; however, such forces may produce an environment in which bunions may develop. It is best to employ conservative measures rather than surgical intervention in dancers who have a painful bunion. Any surgery on the first MTPJ will adversely affect dorsiflexion of this joint, which is a critical motion for dancers. Two types of bunions (slowly progressive and rapidly progressive) are commonly seen; arthritic bunions occur in dancers who have mild arthrosis and loss of cartilage on the head of the first MTPJ. Secondary problems arising from bunions include metatarsalgia, stress fractures, sesamoiditis, and flexor hallucis longus tendonitis.