{
  "id": 14992823,
  "title": "Shobana reveals ankle issues after years of dancing: ‘In our generation, we never used to warm-up’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/shobana-reveals-ankle-issues-after-years-of-dancing-in-our-generation",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-16T16:30:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express",
    "slug": "the-indian-express",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/health/shobana-reveals-ankle-issues-years-dancing-why-warm-up-exercises-matter-expert-10917631/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Actress and dancer Shobana Chandrakumar Pillai recently disclosed experiencing ankle problems due to years of performing arts, highlighting the importance of warming up. The 56-year-old artiste admitted to having a viral infection and issues with the tendons supporting her feet's arches. Shobana emphasized that this issue is common in her generation, who rarely practiced warm-ups or such exercises.\n\nDr Ashish Phadnis, an orthopaedic director at Jupiter Hospital, emphasized that foot arches are supported by bones, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. When a tendon like the posterior tibial tendon becomes weak or strained, it can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty maintaining the foot's arch. Athletes, especially performers, are particularly vulnerable to repetitive strain due to constant exposure to loading, sudden movements, prolonged standing, and repeated impact.\n\nWarm-ups and conditioning exercises are essential for preventing these injuries, as they prepare muscles and joints for activity, increase muscular endurance, and improve balance and physical stress tolerance. Dr Phadnis recommended targeted strengthening and conditioning exercises for the calf muscles and foot/ankle support. Gradually increasing rehearsal intensity and allowing adequate recovery time is crucial for performers.\n\nWhile warm-ups cannot prevent every injury, they can significantly reduce injury risk when tailored to individual needs. If performers experience persistent pain, swelling, changes in foot shape, or difficulty standing on their toes, they should consult an orthopaedic specialist for early assessment and appropriate treatment options.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Indian Express - Lifestyle",
        "title": "Shobana reveals ankle issues after years of dancing: ‘In our generation, we never used to warm-up’",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/shobana-reveals-ankle-issues-after-years-of-dancing-in-our-generation-14995700",
        "published": "2026-10-16T16:30:04.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}