Ankle Impingement Syndrome, also known as Anterior Ankle Impingement, Athlete’s Ankle or Footballer’s Ankle, is a painful condition affecting the front part of the ankle. It is caused due to the compression of the soft tissues or a bone spur in the anterior area of the joint. The condition can occur to anyone but is more common among athletes and ballet dancers.
Causes
• Arthritis: Ankle Arthritis increases blood flow and inflammation, leading to the development of bone spurs in the front of the ankle joint and cause Ankle Impingement Syndrome.
• Repetitive Stress Activity: The stress caused in the ankle during kicking or running may cause the formation of bone spurs, leading to the syndrome.
• Ankle Sprain: The damage caused due to an ankle sprain can lead to instability in the joint, causing the talus to slide upward freely even during mild activities. This may lead to pinching of the soft tissues in the ankle.
Symptoms
• Pain in the front of the ankle
• Stiffness
• Inflammation
• Inability to walk
• Pain increasing during physical activity
• Tenderness
• Clicking sensation
Diagnosis
The orthopedic doctor may diagnose Ankle Impingement Syndrome with the help of physical examination and inquiring about the medical history of the patient. He may bend the ankle at different angles to observe the intensity of pain. The patient may be suggested to undergo certain imaging tests such as X-ray, MRI scan or CT scan in order to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment
• Avoid Heeled Shoes: The orthopedic doctor may suggest the patient to wear flat or very low heeled shoes.
• Limiting Movement: The patient may be suggested to use a special walking boot or short-leg cast in order to limit the movement of the ankle. This can help in resting the foot and speeding up the recovery process.
• Activity Modification: Avoiding activities that cause stress in the ankle joint such as walking uphill, running etc. can help in easing the symptoms.
• Medication: The patient may be prescribed anti-inflammatory medications which can help in minimizing pain and swelling in the ankle.
• Surgery: In severe cases, the doctor may also suggest the patient to undergo a surgery in order to eliminate the symptoms.
It is advisable to visit an orthopedic doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment of Ankle Impingement Syndrome.
Causes
• Arthritis: Ankle Arthritis increases blood flow and inflammation, leading to the development of bone spurs in the front of the ankle joint and cause Ankle Impingement Syndrome.
• Repetitive Stress Activity: The stress caused in the ankle during kicking or running may cause the formation of bone spurs, leading to the syndrome. • Ankle Sprain: The damage caused due to an ankle sprain can lead to instability in the joint, causing the talus to slide upward freely even during mild activities. This may lead to pinching of the soft tissues in the ankle.
Symptoms
• Pain in the front of the ankle
• Stiffness
• Inflammation
• Inability to walk
• Pain increasing during physical activity
• Tenderness
• Clicking sensation
Diagnosis
The orthopedic doctor may diagnose Ankle Impingement Syndrome with the help of physical examination and inquiring about the medical history of the patient. He may bend the ankle at different angles to observe the intensity of pain. The patient may be suggested to undergo certain imaging tests such as X-ray, MRI scan or CT scan in order to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment
• Avoid Heeled Shoes: The orthopedic doctor may suggest the patient to wear flat or very low heeled shoes.
• Limiting Movement: The patient may be suggested to use a special walking boot or short-leg cast in order to limit the movement of the ankle. This can help in resting the foot and speeding up the recovery process.
• Activity Modification: Avoiding activities that cause stress in the ankle joint such as walking uphill, running etc. can help in easing the symptoms.
• Medication: The patient may be prescribed anti-inflammatory medications which can help in minimizing pain and swelling in the ankle.
• Surgery: In severe cases, the doctor may also suggest the patient to undergo a surgery in order to eliminate the symptoms.
It is advisable to visit an orthopedic doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment of Ankle Impingement Syndrome.
