Health · Fitness & Nutrition · 11 hrs ago
Shobana says years of performing have left her with ankle and foot issues
Actor and dancer Shobana says she has issues in both legs, with frail tendons supporting the arches of her feet.
The 56-year-old said in an Instagram video that years of performing may have contributed, and that performers in her generation did not usually warm up.
The comments came from Chennai, where Shobana also said she had a viral illness going around.
An orthopaedic specialist said performers can face repeated strain from sudden movements, long periods standing and repeated impact.
Warm-ups and strengthening exercises can help prepare and support the feet and ankles, while gradual increases in rehearsal intensity and enough recovery time also matter.
The specialist said warm-ups cannot prevent every injury, and exercises should be tailored to each person.
Persistent pain, swelling or weakness should be assessed by an orthopaedic specialist, who can recommend treatment based on the diagnosis.
Actor and danseuse Shobana Chandrakumar Pillai says she has issues with both legs, including frail tendons supporting the arches of her feet.
She said years of performing may have contributed to the problems.
Shobana said performers in her generation did not usually warm up or do the exercises that artists now use as a precaution.
Orthopaedic specialist Dr Ashish Phadnis said performers can face repetitive strain from loading, sudden movements, prolonged standing and repeated impact.
Phadnis said warm-ups, strengthening, gradual increases in rehearsal intensity and recovery can help reduce injury risk.
- Who
- Actor and danseuse Shobana Chandrakumar Pillai.
- What
- She said she has issues with both legs, including frail tendons supporting the arches of her feet.
- When
- The article was published on October 16, 2026. The date of Shobana’s video was not stated.
- Where
- Shobana spoke in a video on Instagram; she mentioned a viral illness going around in Chennai.
- Why
- Shobana said the issues were linked to years of performing. An orthopaedic specialist said repeated physical strain can contribute to foot and ankle problems.
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- Age
- 56
- Hospital
- Jupiter Hospital, Thane
- Reported issue
- Frail tendons supporting the arches of both feet
- Outlet publication date
- October 16, 2026
1 source
What people are saying
In our generation, we never used to warm up or do these exercises, which artistes now are doing as a precaution
it’s years of doing performances…all of this has to be expected
Years of performing without adequate conditioning, recovery or appropriate footwear may contribute to these problems.
warm-ups cannot prevent every injury, and exercises should be tailored to the individual’s needs