Unexplained Bruises and Joint Pain in Young Dancers

Q: Unexplained Bruises and Joint Pain in Young Dancers

Hello, Ms. <br>Miao： In order to make a diagnosis, it is essential to gather the chief complaint, medical history, and results from pathological and X-ray examinations, as they all work together to reach a conclusion. <br>I recommend that you seek medical attention as soon as pos

Unexplained bruising around the knee joint and pain in the ankle joint?

Hello, Doctor: I have been learning Japanese dance, and I want to avoid any knee issues that could prevent me from dancing in the future.
However, my knees have been feeling off for a long time, so I came to inquire based on a friend's recommendation of this website.

1.
I often notice unexplained bruising between my knees and calves.
I initially thought it was due to accidentally bumping into things, but after observing for a while, I realized that bruises appear even without any impact.
This is especially true when I wear high heels (only two centimeters high); when I return home, my knees often have bruises.
They are not always large; sometimes, there are two or three small bruises, and they do not always appear on both legs—sometimes only one side.
What could be the cause of this?
2.
My knees frequently hurt, and almost all my friends know about it.
The pain occurs after prolonged walking, but it is not the typical soreness associated with exercise.
Could it be possible that my knee joints are already aging? I am only 24 years old...
Is this a plausible reason?
3.
Even when I am not exercising or wearing high heels, just staying at home, I experience soreness in my ankles.
Sometimes it is in my left foot, sometimes in my right; it varies.
It feels like a vague soreness that I don't know how to alleviate, and it is not painful—just a frustrating sensation of discomfort, as if my feet are not positioned correctly.
What could be the possible reasons for this?
4.
Additionally, I have a question regarding my breathing.
I often feel like I am not getting enough oxygen.
After a few normal breaths, I feel the need to take a deep breath.
It seems like the air I breathe gets stuck in my chest and doesn't go down properly.
What could be the reason for this? Is it a serious condition?
I apologize for asking so many questions! Thank you very much for your help! ^^

mie, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/06/04

Dr. Li Wenlin reply Orthopedics

Hello, Ms.
Miao: In order to make a diagnosis, it is essential to gather the chief complaint, medical history, and results from pathological and X-ray examinations, as they all work together to reach a conclusion.
I recommend that you seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Start with a visit to a family medicine physician for a comprehensive evaluation, and then you can be referred to various specialists.
I believe your concerns can be satisfactorily addressed.
Wishing you all the best, Li Wenlin.

Reply Date: 2006/06/04

More Info

Hello! Thank you for reaching out with your concerns. It sounds like you are experiencing a variety of symptoms that can be quite distressing, especially as a dancer. Let’s break down your questions and address them one by one.

1. Unexplained Bruises: The appearance of unexplained bruises on your knees and lower legs, especially when you haven't noticed any trauma, can be concerning. In young individuals, frequent bruising can sometimes be attributed to minor injuries that go unnoticed, but it can also indicate underlying issues such as a bleeding disorder, vascular fragility, or even certain nutritional deficiencies (like vitamin C or K). Given that you mentioned these bruises appear even when you wear low heels, it might be worth consulting a healthcare professional to rule out any serious conditions. A thorough evaluation, including a physical examination and possibly blood tests, can help determine the cause.

2. Knee Pain: Experiencing knee pain at the age of 24 is not typical for someone without a history of significant injury or overuse. While it’s unlikely that your knees are "aging," factors such as overuse, improper technique during dance, or even biomechanical issues (like flat feet or misalignment) could contribute to your discomfort. Conditions like patellar tendinitis (often referred to as "jumper's knee") or iliotibial band syndrome are common in dancers and athletes. It would be beneficial to have a physical therapist assess your movement patterns and provide guidance on strengthening and stretching exercises tailored to your needs.

3. Ankle Discomfort: The sensation of aching or discomfort in your ankles, even when at rest, can be attributed to several factors. It could be related to muscle fatigue, improper footwear, or even early signs of tendinitis. Since you mentioned that this discomfort can occur in either ankle, it might also suggest a systemic issue or a pattern of overuse. Again, a physical therapist or a sports medicine specialist can help you identify the root cause and develop a management plan.

4. Breathing Difficulties: Feeling like you are not getting enough air can be quite alarming. This sensation can stem from various causes, including anxiety, respiratory conditions (like asthma), or even musculoskeletal issues affecting your ribcage and diaphragm. If you find that this sensation persists or worsens, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider. They may recommend pulmonary function tests or other assessments to ensure that your lungs are functioning properly.

In summary, while some of your symptoms may be related to the physical demands of dancing, they could also indicate underlying issues that require attention. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional who can perform a comprehensive evaluation and guide you through the necessary steps for diagnosis and treatment. This way, you can continue to enjoy dancing without the burden of these concerns. Remember, early intervention is key to preventing more significant issues down the road. Take care, and I wish you the best in your dancing journey!

Similar Q&A

Unexplained Bruises and Swelling on Feet: Seeking Solutions

I have had a wound on my foot since a cut at the swimming pool a year ago, which has formed a scab that has not fallen off for a long time. I have started to experience unexplained bruising and swelling, which has been increasing. It is painful when pressed, and the joint where m...

Dr. Ke Taiyuan reply Internal Medicine
However, based on the current description, a definitive diagnosis cannot be established. It is recommended to visit the internal medicine outpatient department at a hospital. If there are frequent unexplained bruises, a blood test to check for coagulation function issues may be w...

Understanding Left Ankle Pain: Causes and Care Tips for Dancers

Hello doctor, I've recently been practicing dancing, and I don't know how it happened, but I've noticed that my left ankle is getting increasingly painful. At first, it was just a slight soreness, but now it seems to be getting more serious. I had a similar issue b...

Dr. Wang Shouji reply Orthopedics
GMP: The ankle joint is commonly subjected to sports injuries that can damage the ligaments. If not fully treated, it may lead to sequelae such as instability, soreness, and weakness. It is recommended to visit an orthopedic department for an assessment of the injury severity bef...

Understanding Sports Injuries: Recovery and Concerns After a Bad Fall

In late March, while playing badminton with friends, I felt a catch in the groin area of my left thigh when my right foot stepped out to the front right. There was a joint sound, and it was very painful, causing my leg to feel weak. I went to the school nurse, who provided an ice...

Dr. Chen Bingze reply Surgery
Hello, it sounds like your left foot may have joint instability, and there could be a possibility of a ligament injury. Further examination is recommended. Your right foot seems to be more like a simple contusion. Overall, I suggest you see a doctor nearby to have your left foot ...

Understanding Persistent Bruising and Heel Pain in Adolescents: A Guide

Hello Dr. Lin: I would like to ask about my lower leg. Three months ago, I experienced a trauma to the front bone of my lower leg, which resulted in bruising. However, even after more than three months, the bruising has not resolved. Could you please explain why this might be hap...

Dr. Lin Mingxing reply Family Medicine
Hello, it is recommended that you visit an orthopedic specialist for further examination. Based on your description, you sustained an injury from a collision three months ago; it is unclear whether you consulted an orthopedic doctor at that time. It is important to rule out any f...