Ankle Impingement: Causes, Symptoms, and Osteopathic Management
Ankle impingement is a painful condition that occurs when structures in the ankle joint become entrapped or compressed during movement, leading to inflammation and discomfort. This condition can affect athletes, individuals with previous ankle injuries, or those with anatomical variations in the ankle joint. And has previously been termed ‘athletes ankle’.
Causes of Ankle Pain / Impingement
Ankle impingement can arise from various factors that result in compression of the soft tissues within the ankle joint. Common causes include:
Repetitive Stress: Activities that involve repetitive ankle movements, such as running, jumping, or dancing, can lead to irritation and inflammation of the ankle.
Previous Injuries: Ankle impingement may follow previous injuries such as ankle sprains or fractures that haven't fully healed. This can increase the risk of developing impingement due to scar tissue formation or joint instability.
Anatomical Variations: Structural abnormalities in the ankle joint, such as bone spurs, can predispose individuals to impingement.
Poor Biomechanics: Improper footwear, inadequate warm-up, or poor movement patterns can contribute to excessive stress on the ankle joint.
Symptoms of Ankle Impingement
Common signs include:
Pain: Persistent or sharp pain in the front or sides of the ankle joint, especially during activities that involve ankle flexion or extension.
Swelling: Visible swelling or tenderness around the affected area of the ankle.
Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty moving the ankle joint fully due to pain or stiffness.
Osteopathic Treatment for Ankle Pain/ Ankle Impingement
At Tugun Osteopathy, our osteopathic treatments are tailored to address the underlying causes of ankle impingement and alleviate symptoms effectively:
Manual Therapy: Gentle manipulation and soft tissue techniques help reduce local inflammation, improve joint mobility, and restore normal function to the ankle.
Joint Mobilisation: Specific techniques are used to gently mobilise the ankle joint, improving joint range of motion, reducing stiffness and promoting healing.
Therapeutic Exercises: Customised exercises are prescribed to strengthen the muscles around the ankle, improve stability, and correct biomechanical imbalances. We will teach you the best exercises for ankle impingement.
Postural and Movement Education: Guidance on proper footwear, ergonomic practices, and modification of activities helps prevent recurrence of ankle impingement and help manage ankle impingement at home.
If you're experiencing ankle pain or discomfort that could be related to ankle impingement, contact us at info@tugunosteopathy.com , our Osteopaths are dedicated to providing personalised care that targets the root cause of your discomfort.