How do you treat anterior ankle impingement?

How do you treat anterior ankle impingement?

The treatment for anterior impingement in the ankle can include physical therapy to help improve the range of motion and break down scar tissue, anti-inflammatory medications to relieve pain and swelling, and ultimately surgery to remove the tissue or bone that is causing the blockage.

What does anterior ankle impingement feel like?

Signs and Symptoms With anterior ankle impingement, you may experience: Pain on the front and/or outside of the ankle joint. A feeling of ankle instability. Decreased ankle range of motion when stretching your toes up toward your shin.

Does anterior ankle impingement go away?

Return to activity or sport depends on the individual, but athletes with uncomplicated cases are able to return within a 4- to 6-week time frame. It may take longer for the pain to go away completely but this should not impact the ability to perform sport-specific activities prior to return.

How long does it take to recover from ankle impingement?

Recovery time after an anterior ankle impingement can vary widely depending on the extent of the injury. Typically, it takes four to six weeks before athletes can get back to their normal activities. Recovery time can take longer for severe cases.

How painful is anterior ankle impingement?

Typically, people with anterior ankle impingement have pain over the front of the ankle joint, especially when the foot is pushed upwards towards the shin (dorsiflexion). This area is often tender, and occasionally the bone spur can be felt over the front of the ankle.

Can you recover from ankle impingement?

It can take up to 12 weeks to fully recover from posterior ankle impingement – whether you have surgical or non-surgical treatment.

How do you test for ankle impingement?

The clinical test for anterolateral ankle impingement is the impingement test or Molloy-Bendall test. Athletes perform this by dorsiflexing the ankle while simultaneously palpating and pressing the anteromedial ankle joint area.

Does ankle impingement require surgery?

Anteromedial impingement does not always require surgery, however, there are times when the bone spurs at the bottom of the tibia present a situation where surgery is recommended. When we discuss surgery, as we do not perform it, it is always best to bring in a surgical opinion.

How common is ankle impingement?

The most common ankle injury is a sprain of the ATFL, which typically results from a plantar flexion/inversion mechanism,12,13 and impingement is an uncommon sequela (occurring in approximately 2% of cases).

Can ankle impingement be cured?

Some people do get great success with a program of conservative treatments for their ankle impingement problems. These programs include physical therapy for their range of motion problems and limitations, ankle strengthening exercises, and exercises to help restore balance and gait.