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Anterior Ankle Impingement

Anterior ankle impingement is a condition that can restrict ankle movement and cause discomfort. The pain is caused by bone spurs or soft tissue getting trapped in the bones of the ankle joint during movement. It can be particularly painful during activities that require you to extend your foot upwards. Impingements can lead to inflammation and swelling, which impacts your ankle's range of motion and results in persistent pain.


What Causes an Anterior Ankle Impingement?

  • This condition can be caused by a combination of factors, including overuse, repetitive movements, and the body's natural response to injury. Some specific causes include:
  • Activities that involve pulling the toes up towards the shin - like kicking, sprinting, or uphill walking. When the space within the ankle joint is reduced, it can lead to tissues being pinched or compressed, causing pain and restricting movement.
  • When bony growths (osteophytes) develop to try stabilising the joints, they limit the space in the joint, leading to increased irritation and compression of the soft tissue structures.
  • Existing ankle injuries, such as sprains, can induce scar tissue formation and contribute to the problem. 
  • Those with naturally limited ankle dorsiflexion may also be more predisposed to experiencing impingement.

How Does Feet Option Podiatry Treat Anterior Ankle Impingements?

Our podiatrists treat anterior ankle impingements with various treatments suitable to the degree of your injury. After thoroughly assessing your ankle, your specialist will create a comprehensive treatment plan to help get your ankle back to its best performance. Some tailored treatments we may use include:

  • Rest: Advising on rest to reduce strain on the ankle and start the healing process.
  • Elevation: Keeping the affected ankle above your heart level to reduce swelling.
  • Ice therapy: Using ice packs on the ankle to alleviate pain and limit inflammation.
  • Pain relief: Advising on suitable pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication.
  • Physical therapy: Tailored exercises to increase range of motion, strengthen the necessary muscles, and prevent further injuries.
  • Orthotics: Specialised orthotic devices to correct foot imbalances that can cause impingement.
  • Corticosteroid injections: to provide relief to the joint from inflammation and pain.
  • Activity modification: Modifying activities or footwear to prevent further injury.
  • Surgical intervention: In cases where your injury is extensive, we can refer you to have the impingement removed or the damaged tissue repaired.

Suspecting You Have an Anterior Ankle Impingement?

If you suspect you have an anterior ankle impingement, reduce the activities that cause you pain until you can be given further professional advice. Rest, ice, and elevate your ankle as you need. Anterior ankle impingements can be managed effectively without surgical intervention; however, it is essential to be seen by a podiatrist to diagnose the condition correctly and get you on a helpful treatment plan.

Book An Appointment

Book an appointment today by calling our clinic or using our online booking portal. If you have any questions regarding how we diagnose and treat anterior ankle impingements or any other condition, leave our team a message, and we will contact you as soon as possible. Our friendly staff are more than happy to help!

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