A Ballet Dancer's Journey Recovering from Foot Surgery (Images below of post-op healed incision).
6 Weeks Post-Op from a Cheilectomy and Kidner Procedure
Six weeks ago, I had a cheilectomy and Kidner procedure on my left foot. If you’ve ever been in a similar position—facing the fear of surgery and the uncertainty of recovery—you’ll understand the mixed emotions I’ve been navigating. Today, I want to share my story, in hopes that it might resonate with other dancers going through something similar.
The Beginning of the Pain
It all started three years ago. I was pregnant with my first child, I was gardening and when I stood up my big toe hurt BAD. At first, I chalked it up to pregnancy and hoped it would fade once the baby arrived. I tried everything: massage, icing, therapeutic exercises, mobility work. But nothing seemed to help—it only got worse.
After my baby was born and I lost the pregnancy weight, some of the pain subsided, but not enough. Returning to ballet classes, things that used to be second nature—like relevé, engaging my left arch, or balancing on that leg—became almost impossible. I decided to take medical action. I was in manual therapy every week and received Toradol injections, but nothing worked.
Then, I got pregnant again.
The Pain Worsens
During my second pregnancy, the pain escalated. It reached the point where I couldn’t even stand to put on my pointe shoes. I struggled to film videos or continue my usual ballet practice. My technique began to suffer as my left foot became weaker; my posterior tibial tendon almost seemed to atrophy, and my arch vanished. People were even calling me out online for having bad tendus. I felt helpless.
After my second C-section, I hoped the pain would ease once I’d recovered, but it only grew worse. Simple activities—like walking with my family or going to the zoo—became unbearable. I could no longer attend ballet class or live my life in the way I used to. That’s when I realized surgery might be my only option.
A Ballet Dancer Facing Foot Surgery
The idea of surgery terrifies me in general. I didn’t want to be put under, and I couldn’t shake the thoughts of “what if this doesn’t work?” But the pain had taken so much from my life, I finally made the decision to proceed.
Now, here I am, six weeks post-op.
The Reality of Recovery
Even though I’m a physical therapist assistant with years of clinical experience, nothing quite prepares you for the mental toll of recovery...with two kids...and one weight bearing leg.
My ballet-trained brain expects progress, but recovery doesn’t follow a strict timeline. It’s difficult not to have doubts: “What if I can never go back en pointe?” “What if my toe never reaches 90 degrees dorsiflexion again?” “What if I can’t pirouette on that leg anymore?”
The truth is, I don’t know. And neither does anyone else.
I’ve had a bone shaved off, another bone removed, and a tendon reattached—it’s a massive recovery for such a small foot. I keep reminding myself that this process takes time and patience, but it’s hard to silence the constant “what if” questions.
Sharing the Journey
I’m sharing my story because I know other dancers out there are struggling with similar issues. If you’re in pain, worried about your future in dance, or recovering from surgery, know that you’re not alone. And while I can’t guarantee my outcome, I hold onto the hope that I will return to ballet and en pointe one day.
If I do, I want my journey to serve as hope for others facing similar challenges. Ballet recovery is a long road, but it’s one we don’t have to walk alone.
This is just one of the many reasons I am so passionate about ballet injury prevention and safe ballet training. If you're interested in learning more about my training programs click here.
Here’s to hope and the resilience that comes with the journey.
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