Dr.Artis was so amazing. After going to two other podiatrists who gave me no support or hope, Dr. artis made me feel like there can be change for me. She was so patient, kind and informative. I’m actually excited to go back and get my results.
Ankle sprains in runners and dancers present unique clinical challenges that set them apart from standard ankle sprain management — both because of the high functional demands these athletes place on the ankle joint and because of the specific injury mechanisms their disciplines create. Runners most commonly sustain lateral ankle sprains on uneven trail surfaces, road cambers, or during agility-based cross-training, and their primary goal is rapid return to mileage without compromising training continuity. Dancers — particularly ballet and contemporary dancers — are uniquely vulnerable to both lateral sprains during landing and to high ankle (syndesmotic) injuries during external rotation en pointe or during partnering work, with the added complexity that dance technique places exceptional rotational and proprioceptive demands on ankle ligaments that recreational patients simply do not share. At Healthy Feet Podiatry, our NYC specialists treat both populations with a performance-specific lens — understanding the biomechanics, timelines, and functional return criteria unique to running and dance disciplines.
At Healthy Feet Podiatry, ankle sprain rehabilitation for runners and dancers goes beyond standard clinical milestones to include discipline-specific functional testing before return to full activity. For runners, return-to-run criteria include pain-free single-leg hopping, full restoration of proprioceptive balance, and symptom-free completion of progressive running intervals — not just pain-free walking. For dancers, return-to-dance criteria are significantly more demanding, requiring full range of motion in all planes of ankle movement, demonstrated stability en pointe or in equivalent dance-specific positions, and absence of pain during pliés, jumps, and turns before full clearance. We also perform video gait or movement analysis for both populations to identify the biomechanical contributors — foot pronation, hip weakness, landing mechanics — that predisposed the ankle to injury, so rehabilitation addresses causation and not just the acute ligament damage.
Healthy Feet Podiatry has built deep roots in NYC’s running and performing arts communities — treating athletes from the New York Road Runners, dancers from Broadway productions and Manhattan dance companies, and recreational runners and movers from across the five boroughs. We understand what’s at stake when a sprained ankle sidelines a runner mid-training block or a dancer during a production season, and we build treatment plans with that urgency in mind — maximizing safe return speed without compromising the thoroughness of rehabilitation. Our Manhattan locations are accessible from the city’s major running and arts corridors, with scheduling that accommodates training and rehearsal demands. If you’re a runner or dancer dealing with an ankle sprain in NYC, come to Healthy Feet Podiatry — we speak your language and we know what complete recovery really means for your discipline.
TESTIMONIAL
Dr.Artis was so amazing. After going to two other podiatrists who gave me no support or hope, Dr. artis made me feel like there can be change for me. She was so patient, kind and informative. I’m actually excited to go back and get my results.
Everyone was super friendly. Doctor Rick’s explained everything thoroughly.
Dr Bell was incredibly thorough and personable. Gave me great information and useful information for my next steps. A great experience!
“Fast, professional, and very clean office. I was checked in and seen within 10 minutes of my scheduled time. Dr. Ricks was straight to the point but thorough. The front desk staff was also incredibly helpful.
All of the staff are super welcoming and professional! Bianca took excellent care in getting my X-rays. Dr. Ricks was thorough in explaining my diagnosis and next steps. Highly recommended!!
Well before I came in today to see Dr. Ricks my foot in pain was 9/10 and now I feel good 🙏🏿🤩 thanks
Behind every great care experience is a team that truly listens. Our doctors are committed to understanding your needs, delivering personalized treatment, and supporting you every step of your health journey.
Dr. Farah Alani is a New York City foot and ankle surgeon at To Healthy Feet Podiatry, a boutique podiatry practice located in the heart…
Dr. Alison Bell was born in Manhattan and is a Public Health graduate of Charles R. Drew University. She obtained her medical degree from Kent…
Dr. Roxann Clarke is a graduate of Hampton University in Virginia, where she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Biology and her Master of Science…
Dr. Ricks is a board-certified fellowship-trained podiatric surgeon committed to delivering top-tier foot and ankle care. From New Jersey, she a Bachelor’s in…
As the Chief Operating Officer of To Healthy Feet Podiatry, Tiffany provides leadership to ensure all administrative are producing optimal results. Dr….
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