Anterior Ankle Impingement

An ankle impingement is a painful mechanical limitation of full ankle range of motion due to a bony or soft-tissue abnormality in the front of the ankle. This condition is common in athletes with professional athletes being three times more likely than non-athletes.

Anterior Ankle Impingement

Common causes of Anterior Ankle Impingement

  • Congenital – from birth symptoms usually begin to appear as a teenager.
  • Wear – due to excessive forces through the front of the ankle joint.
  • Traumatic – sporting injury, accident etc.
  • Infection (soft tissue).

Treatment for Anterior Ankle Impingement

  • RICE – rest, ice, compression & elevation.
  • Activity modification or reduction.
  • Flat footwear may need to be avoided.
  • Soft tissue massage & stretching exercise.
  • If biomechanics is a contributory cause – orthotics may be considered.
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs  (Nurofen etc).

What can you do?

  • Reduce or modify current activities.
  • Gradually resume normal activity as symptoms resolve.
  • Ice after training/ activity 15 minutes on, 2 hours off, 15 minutes on.
  • Footwear assessment – it may be time for a new pair.
  • Stretch your lower leg muscles – but not to the point that it causes pain.

Take the first step towards happy and healthy feet.

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