Renata Ienco on Foot Injury, Recovery & Resilience
By Chris Duncan
For professional dancer Renata Ienco, the moment everything changed started with a jazz combo—in heels. What began as a standard audition for a major cruise line soon became a physical and mental test of resilience.
A Subtle Pain That Became Something More
“I started feeling pain along the side of my left big toe during the audition,” Renata recalls. “But I just kept going—typical dancer mindset, thinking it would go away in a few days.”
Instead, the pain worsened, travelling from the big toe to the ball of her foot and past the arch. What followed was a confronting diagnosis: sesamoiditis, a painful inflammation of the tiny but crucial sesamoid bones beneath the big toe joint.
“These two pea-sized bones help redistribute force and support weight-bearing—small but mighty!” she explains.
Facing the Possibility of Surgery
Renata was placed in a moon boot for six weeks, unable to walk or bear any weight on her left foot. The hope was that complete rest would reduce inflammation. But there were no guarantees. If pain persisted, the next step would be surgical removal of the sesamoid bone—a procedure that could severely compromise her ability to dance at a professional level.
“No dancer wants to hear that surgery might affect their performance permanently,” she says. “I saw several specialists, but no one could say for sure how it would turn out. It was a huge emotional burden.” 
Choosing Rehab Over the Knife
Rather than opting for surgery, Renata made a bold choice: trust her body and commit 100% to rehabilitation. It wasn’t easy, but it paid off.
“I’m thrilled to share that I’ve made a significant recovery without surgery—and even landed some of my biggest jobs after the injury,” she says with gratitude.
Renata’s Top Tips for Dancers: Foot Health & Injury Prevention
Renata now shares what she wishes she had known earlier:
1. See a Sports Podiatrist—Before You’re in Pain
“Don’t wait for something to go wrong,” she advises. “Get your feet assessed so you understand your individual mechanics—your arch type, toe and ankle mobility, and overall alignment.”
Renata later discovered that her low arches had caused limited big toe mobility, increasing pressure on her sesamoid bones. “Had I known this earlier, it might’ve changed everything.”
2. Consider Orthotics
If recommended, orthotics can correct misalignments and reduce stress on vulnerable areas. “They’re not just for runners or older people! Even your high heels can be fitted with inserts for better support.”
3. Think Beyond Your Feet
Foot problems often affect knees, hips, and the lower back. Understanding how your whole kinetic chain works together is essential for longevity in dance.
4. Reconsider Your Everyday Footwear
Ask yourself: Are your daily shoes helping or hurting your alignment? What about your heels? “I wish I had thought more about this earlier—heels can do serious damage without the right support.”
Strength, Stretch & Smart Habits: The Recovery Protocol That Worked
Renata credits her recovery to a disciplined program of strength and mobility work, including:
- Arch doming and marble/towel pick-ups to engage small foot muscles
- Theraband big toe isolation (her favourite):
“Sit with feet flat, loop a band around the big toe, lift the toe, apply tension, then slowly lower. This was monumental in my recovery.”
- Daily foot rolling with a tennis or spiky ball—“It sounds simple, but it’s magic.”
- Calf strengthening: “My podiatrist said, ‘Strong calves are insurance for your feet’—and I believe it.”
Dancing in Heels? Do It Smarter
Many professional dance roles require heels—but they come with risk.
“Heels put so much pressure on the ball of your foot. There are amazing insoles and padding options now that reduce shock and distribute weight more evenly. I highly recommend dancers explore these.”
Final Thoughts
Renata’s journey is a powerful reminder that healing is possible—and that dancers can be proactive in preventing injury without compromising performance.
“I’ve learned to listen to my body. To be smarter, not just tougher. And honestly? I’m dancing better than ever.”
Want to Know More About Renata?
Get to know the vibrant personality behind the dance shoes! Renata shares her dance journey, career highlights, and personal insights in our previous feature interview.
Read the full interview with Renata Ienco here
