‘Dancing With the Stars’ Injuries Through the Years

Over the years, Dancing With the Stars contestants and professionals have dealt with their fair share of health scares while participating on the show.

In March 2022, Daniella Karagach was injured during her time on the Dancing With the Stars Live 2022 tour. The dancer, who was partnered up with Iman Shumpert, sustained the injury during a performance in Riverside, California. Karagach later took to social media to confirm that she would be sitting out the rest of the tour.

Karagach isn’t the only one who has dealt with health issues after performing on Dancing With the Stars. Elaine Hendrix sustained an injury during dress rehearsal for season 34’s Halloween Night episode, needing to sit out of the October 2025 live show.

“Halloween is my favorite and I’m devastated,” Hendrix said in a social media video that night. “I was beyond excited to share what we had worked so hard on, although you’ll see a version of it. With your support, I’ll be back in the ballroom next week. I want nothing more.”

Hendrix and her pro partner, Alan Bersten, were judged on rehearsal footage and ultimately earned enough votes to continue in the competition the next week.

Scroll on for all the injuries that were sustained on Dancing With the Stars:

Elaine Hendrix, best known for her role in The Parent Trap with Lindsay Lohan, sustained an injury during rehearsal for her season 34 Halloween Night routine. She was taken to the hospital on the night of the show, missing her live performance.

“This is hard. It’s physical. I’ve been on the end of her injury,” pro dancer Mark Ballas, who was not paired with Hendrix, exclusively told Us Weekly in October 2025. “Many of our pros have, celebs have. I’m just so relieved for her that she’s able to continue, that she was voted for so she could carry on and that it’s not crazy serious.”

During a March 2025 perfomance on the DWTS tour, Arnold injured her ankle and subsequently took a break. She confirmed one month later that she wouldn't be returning to finish the rest of the tour dates. 

The America's Ballroom Challenge alum was injured while performing during the Dancing With the Stars Live tour in March 2022.

In January 2021, the former Bachelorette revealed that she was suffering from trauma after competing (and winning!) season 28 of DWTS with pro Alan Bersten.  

The country singer performed with partner Gleb Savchenko during season 28 even though she had four injured ribs. Alaina later placed fourth in the dancing competition.

During season 28, the model suffered injuries to her wrist and arm that required emergency surgery. Brinkley dropped out after falling during rehearsals and her daughter Sailor stepped in her place for the rest of the season.

While rehearsing with partner Val Chmerkovskiy, Arlen suffered from a body spasm after previously being diagnosed with two rare conditions affecting her spinal cord. The New Hampshire native continued to compete and placed fifth during season 25.

The songwriter suffered a rib injury during rehearsals in 2017 but stayed in the competition.

The Property Brothers star injured his hamstring during season 25 but returned to the competition.

During season 24, Maks sat out for four weeks after a calf injury but later returned to continue dancing with Heather Morris.

The Real Housewives of Atlanta alum withdrew during season 21 following a mini stroke that prevented her from traveling.

The professional dancer pulled out for one week following an old injury flare up in season 22. He was parented with martial artist Paige VanZant at the time.

During season 22, Zee hurt her pelvis during rehearsals but was able to perform in the finale with Val.

Braxton was the second contestant to withdraw when she left DWTS due to blood clots in her lungs during season 21.

During season 20, the Utah native broke his toe and sprained his ankle during rehearsals with partner Nastia Liukin. Hough returned after a one week hiatus.

The mechanical engineer tripped during a season 17 performance and suffered from a torn tendon. Nye returned to continue dancing with Tyne Stecklein but was eliminated shortly after the injury.

The Vanderpump Rules star fainted while practicing with Savchenko and was later eliminated during the season 16 appearance.

Jenkins experienced lower back pain while performing with Ballas during season 14. The singer went on to take second place in the competition.

During season 8, Rycroft went to the hospital due to a disc herniation. The Bachelor Pad host later won alongside Tony Dovolani.

The Olympian withdrew during season 7 after she tore her Achilles tendon.

During season 7, the Footloose actress went to the hospital for severe stomach pains due to endometriosis. Julianne continued to perform with Cody Linley after getting some rest at home.

After suffering a ruptured tendon in his bicep, de le Fuente needed surgery amid his participation in season 6. The Chile native delayed the surgery to finish out his time on the show with Cheryl Burke.

The philanthropist fainted during season 5 but was able to stay in the competition with Jonathan Roberts.