Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 25, 2025 · Health

Dancing on the Edge: Danielle Fishel's Injury and Long-term Health Battle

Less than two weeks after sashaying on to our TV screens on Dancing With The Stars, Danielle Fishel has been hit by an agonizing injury

DANIELLE FISHEL'S DANCE DREAMS HAMSTRUNG BY INJURY: WILL SHE BE THE NEXT STAR TO EXIT DWTS?

Less than two weeks into her highly anticipated stint on Dancing With The Stars, Danielle Fishel's dance dreams have been dealt a crushing blow. The 44-year-old actress, best known for her iconic role as Topanga Lawrence on the hit '90s sitcom Boy Meets World, has suffered a devastating hamstring tear while practicing with her partner Pasha Pashkov.

The injury, which occurred during a routine rehearsal session, has left Fishel's fans and fellow contestants worried about her ability to continue competing. The pictures shared by Fishel herself show deep purple bruising running up her right leg, from knee crease to upper thigh – a stark reminder of the severity of her condition.

Photos shared by the actor show deep purple bruising running up the back of her right leg, from her knee crease to the back of her upper thigh

But what exactly is a hamstring tear, and how will it affect Fishel's chances on the show? In layman's terms, a hamstring tear occurs when one or more of the three muscles in the back of your thigh (hamstring) rip, typically at the point where they attach to the pelvis. It's usually caused by overstretching or forceful movements, which are common in high-impact sports like sprinting, basketball, and football.

However, in Fishel's case, the injury is a bit more complicated. "The key is progressive rehabilitation rather than rushing back to full performance," warns Dr. Castel Santana, a general physician and regional medical director at 10X Health. "Proper physical therapy with strengthening, mobility work, and core or glute activation helps stabilize the hamstring and prevent reinjury."

Fishel's doctor has instructed her to follow a rehabilitation program, which involves a combination of rest, stretching, and strengthening exercises. But will she be able to recover in time for the next episode? Insiders close to the show reveal that Fishel is determined to push through the pain and continue competing.

Fishel has two sons with husband Jensen Karp: Adler, six, and Keaton, four. Like many past Dancing With The Stars contestants who have undergone a physical transformation after competing on the show, the actor and director hopes to transform her body as well

"I was only going to leave here because of an injury if they brought me out on a stretcher," Fishel declared in a video posted to Instagram, hinting at her unwavering dedication to the competition. Her partner Pashkov has even vowed to choreograph their next dance routine with minimal pressure on Fishel's injured leg.

But is Fishel being too optimistic? Dr. Johnny Parvani, an emergency medicine doctor and founder of IV company Reviv Global, cautions that hamstring injuries can lead to chronic problems if not properly managed. "Without adequate rest and recovery, this can result in improper healing and may cause long-term pain, performance, and movement limitations, and even immobility," he warns.

As Fishel navigates the ups and downs of the competition, fans can't help but wonder: will she be able to overcome her injury and emerge victorious? Or will her dance dreams be cut short due to her hamstring tear?

Fishel seen with her fellow cast members of the popular TV show Boy Meets World, which aired from 1993 until 2000

In a cruel twist of fate, Fishel's injury has come just as she was making progress in her physical transformation. Last year, she underwent surgery and radiation treatment for early-stage breast cancer, and was finally declared cancer-free.

"I've been through so much already," Fishel shared with thescholarlynote.com before the injury occurred. "My physical goal is to get into the best shape of my life because I'm going to be training for four hours a day, six days a week at least. And mentally, I really want to give myself a lot of grace and try to feel what it feels like to feel proud of myself."

Now, as Fishel faces this latest challenge, will she be able to overcome the odds and achieve her goals? Only time – and her dedication – will tell.

The Injuries that could Derail Danielle's Dance Dreams

Hamstring tears are not uncommon in high-impact sports, but they can be particularly debilitating for dancers. According to Dr. Cas, hamstring injuries typically happen during sudden acceleration, deceleration, or overstretching, which are common in both sports and dance.

"Underlying causes include muscle imbalances (tight hip flexors, weak glutes), fatigue, dehydration, or nutrient deficiencies that impair muscle resilience," he explains.

Fishel's injury is a stark reminder of the risks involved in competitive dancing. Will she be able to overcome her hamstring tear and emerge victorious on DWTS? Only time will tell.