Danielle Fishel’s Grit Shines Through Hamstring Injury on ‘Dancing with the Stars’

Danielle Fishel, 44, most famous for her work in Boy Meets World, is proving that determination can sometimes outshine pain. The actress sustained a torn hamstring tendon during practice with her Dancing with the Stars partner, Pasha Pashkov, yet she refused to let the injury stop her.

In Week 2, she performed a Cha Cha routine, earning a score of 19 out of 30, and made it clear that she would only leave the show if she were carried off on a stretcher. Her dedication to the competition has inspired fans and fellow contestants alike.

After consulting with a surgeon, Fishel was advised against surgery and turned her focus to rehabilitation. Pashkov, understanding the situation, modified their choreography to protect her injured leg while keeping her in the spotlight. These careful adjustments ensure she can continue performing without worsening her injury, highlighting the importance of smart strategies and teamwork in managing physical setbacks.

A hamstring tendon tear occurs when one or more of the muscles at the back of the thigh are overstretched or ruptured, often during sudden or forceful movements. Symptoms include sharp pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight. For dancers and athletes, this injury can severely affect flexibility, strength, and performance. Recovery depends on severity—ranging from weeks of rest and physical therapy for mild tears to several months for complete ruptures. Proper rehabilitation is critical to prevent re-injury and to regain full mobility.

Fishel’s presence on the dance floor carries more than competitive spirit, it is deeply personal. A year earlier, she completed treatment for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), an early form of breast cancer, including 20 rounds of radiation.

By January 2025, she had wrapped her active treatment, and dancing has become a symbolic celebration of her recovery. Every step she takes reflects resilience, courage, and the joy of reclaiming life after a health scare.

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a non-invasive form of breast cancer characterized by abnormal cell growth within the milk ducts without spreading to surrounding tissues. Often detected through routine screening mammograms, DCIS is considered a precursor to invasive breast cancer.

While the exact cause remains unclear, genetic factors, including mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, may increase the risk. Treatment typically involves a multidisciplinary approach, including surgery, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy, tailored to the individual patient's condition. Early detection and appropriate management are crucial in preventing progression to invasive cancer. ¹

Her partner also commended Fishel’s determination, noting that despite the injury, her performance appeared flawless.

He highlighted her strength and technique, saying that her movements were so precise and controlled that viewers would never realize she was dancing through an injury.

Reference

1. National Center for Biotechnology Information. Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS). In StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK567766/

2. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. “Hamstring Injuries.” OrthoInfo, reviewed August 2021. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/hamstring-muscle-injuries/

(Rh/Eth/ARC/MSM)