Anterior ankle impingement
Anterior ankle impingement is a condition where an individual experiences discomfort and pain in the front part of their ankle. This is caused by compression of the bone or soft tissue structures during activities that involve maximal ankle dorsiflexion motion (bending the foot up). Other names for this condition include anterior ankle impingement syndrome, footballer’s ankle, anterior impingement of the ankle and ankle impingement.
Causes
Ankle sprains, activities that require repeated dorsiflexion of the ankle (for example deep squatting) and recurrent ankle injuries are the common causes of anterior ankle impingement.
Various factors can predispose you to develop anterior ankle impingement and may include:
- Muscle tightness
- Bone anomalies
- Inadequate rehabilitation from an ankle injury
- Poor lower limb biomechanics
- Inadequate recovery from training
- Excessive training
- Joint stiffness or swelling
- Poor foot biomechanics
- Poor proprioception or balance
- Unsuitable training technique and footwear.
Symptoms
Those who suffer from anterior ankle impingement, can experience:
- Tenderness, inflammation or swelling of the ankle joint
- Clicking sensation during particular ankle movements
- Pain when walking, running, squatting, lunging, jumping and landing, performing calf stretches, twisting activities or heavy lifting.
Treatment
Treatment for anterior ankle impingement is centred on reducing pain and restoring function to the foot and ankle. Contact us today to discuss treatment options by our Balmain chiro’s.
