Ballet-Associated Knee Injuries

Ballet is one of the most complete and demanding forms of art and physical activity. Beyond the beauty of its movements, it requires strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, and, above all, intense repetition of technical gestures. This combination makes dancers more susceptible to certain injuries, especially to the knees.

Why is the knee so affected in ballet?

The knee is a central joint, bearing significant strain from both body weight and specific dance movements. In ballet, the demand for external hip rotations (en dehors), combined with movements such as plié, relevé, sauté, and pirouette, significantly increases the pressure on the knee's structures. When technique is not performed correctly or the body is not prepared, the risk of injury increases.

Major knee injuries in ballet

1. Patellofemoral pain syndrome

   • Patellofemoral pain syndrome, known as "anterior knee pain", is common in ballerinas due to the overloading of the patella against the femur during movements frequently performed in dance, such as pliés and grand plié repetitions in prolonged rehearsals.

     
     

2. Patellar tendonitis ("jumper's knee")

   • It occurs due to the excessive impact of movements related to jumping, squatting and repetitive knee flexion, for example when landing after performing a jeté, in which the dancer touches the ground after the jump in a knee flexion movement to absorb the impact of the fall.

     
     

3. Meniscus injuries

   • Generally related to torsional movements of the knee, forced turns and rotations, such as in a pirouette or a tour, can cause overload on the menisci, leading to pain, popping and even locking of the knee.

     
     

4. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries

   • Although less common than in contact sports, injuries can occur during grand jeté landings or other artistic moves involving large jumps. The injury is also associated with twisting movements of the knee and occurs most frequently in professional ballet dancers.

     
     

5. Iliotibial band syndrome

   • Pain on the lateral side of the knee, often associated with repeated knee flexion and extension movements.

Risk factors

• Excessive training without adequate recovery.

• Lack of muscle strengthening, especially in the quadriceps, glutes and core.

• Biomechanical changes, mainly related to lack of mobility.

• Poorly executed techniques, such as forced en dehors from the knee and ankle instead of the hip.

How to prevent?

• Muscle strengthening targeting quadriceps, glutes and abdomen.

• Stretches that promote hip and ankle mobility.

• Supervised technical training, with special attention to pliés and alignment in relevés.

• Use of ice and rest in cases of pain after intense training.

• Orthopedic and physiotherapy evaluation at the first sign of persistent pain.

Conclusion

A dancer's knee is a joint that requires careful care. Prevention is always the best approach, as many injuries can be avoided with adequate strengthening, correct technique, and respect for the body's limits.

If you practice ballet and experience knee pain during pliés, sauts, or pirouettes, don't ignore the signs. See an orthopedic specialist for a detailed evaluation and appropriate guidance.