Ankle Impingement
Pinching at the front or back of the ankle in athletes.
After repeated sprains or repetitive end-range loading, scar tissue or bony spurs can pinch in the ankle joint. Patients often feel pain at the front with dorsiflexion or at the back when pointing the foot. Rehabilitation is the first option, but when a mechanical block persists, surgery may help a lot.
Symptoms
- Front or back ankle pain
- Pain in lunge or deep squat
- Swelling after training
- Loss of dorsiflexion
Conservative treatment
- Mobility restoration
- Calf and foot strengthening
- Taping or bracing
- Manual therapy
When is surgery needed?
Ankle arthroscopy to remove scar tissue, os trigonum, or osteophytes when symptoms persist.