Sports Medicine: Anterior Ankle Impingement

Anterior ankle impingement is pain and pinching of bone, soft tissue or scar tissue at the front of the ankle. This can happen after a new or old injury. 

Overview
Signs & Symptoms
Treatment
Prevention
Getting Help

What Is Anterior Ankle Impingement?

Anterior ankle impingement is pain and pinching of bone, soft tissue or scar tissue at the front of the ankle. This can happen after a new or old injury. The swollen tissue or scar tissue gets caught between the bones of the lower part of the leg (tibia) and the upper part of the foot (talus). A bony spur at the front of the lower part of these bones may also pinch normal tissue causing swelling.

What Are the Signs & Symptoms?

  •  pain bringing the front of the foot up
  •  pain with climbing stairs, running or walking up hills, deep squatting
  •  pain bringing the front of the foot up
  •  pain with climbing stairs, running or walking up hills, deep squatting

Increased Risk

  • activities that require repeated, forceful flexing of the ankle (sprinting, jumping, blocking in football)
  • repeated injuries to the foot or ankle         
  • poor warm-up before practice or play
  • poor physical conditioning (strength and flexibility)

How Is Anterior Ankle Impingement Treated?

  • Medicine
    • Anti-inflammatory medicines, such as ibuprofen (Motrin® or Advil®) or naproxen (Aleve®) may be recommended. Take these as directed by your health care provider.
    • Other minor pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®), may be used or a topical cream.
  • Use of cold and heat
    • Cold should be applied for 10 to 15 minutes every 2 to 3 hours and after any activity that makes symptoms worse. Use ice packs or an ice massage.
    • Heat may be used before doing stretching and strengthening activities prescribed by your health care provider or athletic trainer. Use a heat pack or a warm soak. Apply for 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Orthopedic aids
    • A brace or walking boot may be recommended to provide support and decrease pain.
  • Rehab
    • Rehab may be prescribed to improve motion, strength, and balance. Your health care provider may refer you to a physical therapist or athletic trainer for more treatment.
  • Injection
    • A steroid injection may be done to decrease pain and inflammation
  • Surgery
    • If pain does not improve with the above measures, surgery may be needed to correct the impingement

How To Prevent?

  • Do correct warm-up and stretching before practice or competition.
  • Use protective taping or braces to prevent ankle injury.
  • Maintain suitable conditioning, ankle and leg flexibility, muscle strength, endurance and cardiovascular fitness.
  • Allow for a full recovery before returning to play.

    • When To Call the Doctor

    Call your health care provider or the Sports Medicine team at 614-355-6000 if:

    • symptoms get worse or do not improve in 2 weeks despite treatment
    • new, unexplained systems develop

    Helping Hands Patient Education Materials

    Written and illustrated by medical, nursing and allied health professionals at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Helping Hand instructions are intended as a supplement to verbal instructions provided by a medical professional. The information is periodically reviewed and revised to reflect our current practice. However, Nationwide Children's Hospital is not responsible for any consequences resulting from the use or misuse of the information in the Helping Hands.

    HH-I-512 ©2022, Nationwide Children’s Hospital

    Schedule a Sports Medicine Appointment Online
    Schedule an Appointment