Ankle injuries common in Irish dancers

Overuse ankle injuries are common in people performing Irish dancing, according to a new Irish study.

In the study, the ankles of 18 actively performing Irish dancers were assessed by researchers at Cappagh Orthopaedic Hospital in Dublin using MRI scans.

It was found that ankle pain was reported by 10 of the dancers and only three ankles examined were found to be normal following scanning.

Achilles tendinosis (small tears in the tendon) was the most common condition found in the ankles of the dancers.

The researchers recommended that incorporating calf muscle loading exercises with their regular training
regime may benefit Irish dancers.

The research was presented at the annual scientific conference of the Faculty of Sports and Exercise Medicine, held at the College of Surgeons in Dublin.

In another study presented at the meeting, researchers from UCD demonstrated deficiencies in the provision
of medical care in elite level rugby union and Gaelic games in Ireland.

The researchers, from the UCD Centre for Sports Studies, found that while 97% of elite rugby players
said they had ready access to a doctor for general medical advice, only 75% of Gaelic footballers and
35% of hurlers said they had access to this type of medical service.

It was found that a doctor was present at all competitive rugby matches and almost all competitive Gaelic
football matches

However, for hurlers, a doctor was only present for 45% of competitive matches. It was found that a considerable number of players in all codes were dissatisfied with the standard of medical facilities at their training venues.

The UCD researchers concluded that there must be particular concerns at the non-presence of doctors at
matches and training sessions involving physical contact in these intense contact sports.

[Posted: Fri 18/09/2009]