Anterior Ankle Impingement

First Steps

At home, the first thing you should do is stop any activities that trigger the pain, especially those involving upward foot movement or squatting, which bring the shin bone closer to the foot. If you experience swelling, elevate your foot and apply ice to reduce both swelling and pain. For more severe pain, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Ibuprofen can help.

Professional Care

Next, schedule an appointment with your podiatrist. We’ll assess the damage, identify the cause of the compression, and work to restore your ankle’s movement and strength. Our goal is not just to relieve the pain but to prevent its recurrence.

Your treatment will begin with a biomechanical assessment to pinpoint the underlying cause of the issue, which will guide us in choosing the best treatment plan. This may involve custom foot orthotics to correct any structural or functional foot problems, helping to create more space in the ankle for healing.

We’ll also assess your footwear to ensure it’s aiding your recovery rather than worsening symptoms. Once we’ve addressed the root causes, we may recommend a program of stretching, strengthening, or gait retraining if muscle imbalances or movement patterns are contributing factors.

Surgical Treatment

If the impingement is caused by a bone spur or calcification, we’ll conduct medical imaging to assess the extent of the issue. Depending on the findings, surgical treatment, such as removal of the spur, may be required.