​ASKPHYSIO

• Due to injury, ligaments and tendons can become impinged at the front of the ankle.

• Anterior ankle impingement is also referred to as ‘footballer’s ankle’.

• Pain felt in a band at the front of the ankle

• Swelling

• Tenderness on palpation of the front of the ankle

• Pain on moving the foot up and down

• Possible a bony lump or growth palpable at the front of the ankle

• Weakness

• Clicking

• Repetitive ankle sprains

• Thickened ligaments and tendons

• Repeated kicking can cause the talus to bang against the tibia, resulting in a bone spur, which can irritate and impinge soft tissue.

• Bony growths which can adhere to the capsule causing restriction and impingement

• Common in sports which involve repetitive dorsiflexion (football, dancing, cricket wicket keepers, baseball catchers)

• Rest from aggravating activities involving forced dorsiflexion

• Anti-inflammatory medication (if not contraindicated)

General anterior ankle impingement should improve with conservative physiotherapy management.

If pain persists, a cortisone injection to the area is an option.

If there is a bone spur, x-ray can confirm it.

Arthroscopic removal is an option. Crutches may be required post-surgery for 1-2 weeks.  Return to sport should be possible within 4-6 weeks.

• Joint mobilisation of the ankle, subtalar and foot joints

• Electrotherapy

• Massage and deep transverse frictions

• Acupuncture

• Ankle mobility exercises

• Strengthening exercises

• Proprioceptive exercises

• Review of activity, modification of, and then progressive return to sport

• Referral for x-ray or orthopaedic investigation if necessary