‘Dancing with the Stars’ Winner Kaitlyn Bristowe Says Injuries Still Flare Up Years Later

Dancing with the Stars winner Kaitlyn Bristowe says the show left a mark — and not just on the scoreboard. In a new interview published September 10, 2025, she described how “cracked ribs,” a pulled muscle under her ribs, and tendonitis that flares when she wears heels still affect her years after her season 29 run.

Speaking on Tori Spelling’s misSPELLING podcast on September 10, 2025, Bristowe reflected on the grind and the pain, noting she tried to avoid new injuries while competing. She also recalled advice from a fellow winner — identified as Hannah Brown — who told her that if people knew “how much work and injury” it takes, they might not sign up.

Despite the lingering aches,…