What is it?
Impingement means tissue is being pinched as the ankle moves. Anterior impingement affects the front of the ankle and is often caused by bone spurs or thickened scar tissue. Posterior impingement affects the back of the ankle and is common in dancers and footballers.
What causes it?
- Previous ankle sprains that leave thickened scar tissue.
- Bone spurs, often from repeated stress in sport (sometimes called 'footballer's ankle').
- An extra small bone at the back of the ankle (os trigonum) in posterior impingement.
Common symptoms
- Pain at the front of the ankle when squatting, walking uphill or pushing the knee forward.
- Pain at the back of the ankle when pointing the toes.
- Swelling and reduced ankle movement.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis is based on the pattern of pain on examination, along with X-rays and often an MRI or ultrasound scan.
Things you can do now
- Reduce the activities that bring on the pain, such as deep squats or kicking
- Try a small heel raise in your shoe
- Keep up general fitness with low-impact exercise
Treatment
Treatment is tailored to your individual needs, symptoms and goals. Depending on your situation, it may include a change in activities, physiotherapy, a heel raise in the shoe, a guided steroid injection and keyhole surgery to remove the bone spurs or scar tissue.
Mr Jeyaseelan will talk you through the options that are right for you at your consultation.
When to see a specialist
- Pain at the front or back of the ankle persists despite rest and physiotherapy
- The ankle feels blocked when you bend it
- It is limiting your sport
What to expect
Many cases settle with activity changes, physiotherapy or a guided injection. If not, keyhole surgery is very effective and most people return to sport within a few months.
Common questions
Where can I see a specialist about ankle impingement in London?
Mr Lucky Jeyaseelan, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon who specialises only in the foot and ankle, sees private and insured patients with ankle impingement at Align Orthopaedics on Harley Street, The London Clinic on Devonshire Place, HCA London Bridge Hospital, HCA UK at The Shard, HCA UK City of London on Old Broad Street and The Holly Hospital in Buckhurst Hill, Essex. See all clinic locations or request an appointment.
Do I need a GP referral?
Self-funding patients can book directly, though a GP letter is helpful. Most insurers need a GP referral before they authorise your consultation, so check with yours first.
This information is general and is not a substitute for a medical consultation. Your diagnosis and treatment plan will be tailored to you.