Ankle Impingement and Front of Ankle Pain | Seattle Podiatrist

A common cause of pain at the front of the ankle is a condition called anterior ankle impingement syndrome.
In this condition there is pain at the very front of the ankle where the bottom of the tibia bone and the top of the ankle bone meet. Often there is a bone spur on one of these bones. This ankle bone spur will cause extra pressure between these bones and lead to pain at the front of the ankle.
Ankle impingement syndrome is also called “footballers ankle” because soccer player who are repeatedly hit by the soccer ball at the front of the ankle can develop these spurs along with the anterior ankle pain.
In this video Seattle podiatrist Dr. Larry Huppin will review the cause of ankle impingement syndrome along with the most effective treatments. This is a condition that he can almost always treat without resorting to surgery.
If you are in the Seattle area appointments can be made from our website at www.footankle.com/.
Dr. Larry Huppin in a nationally renowned authority on orthotics and biomechanics and a podiatrist in Seattle specializing in treating active people. He has practiced podiatric medicine in Seattle for over 20 years and has a special interest in helping patients achieve complete relief of any foot problem without resorting to surgery.
We are located at:
Foot & Ankle Center of Washington
600 Broadway, Suite 220
Seattle, WA 98122
206-344-3808

[@stephenjones6030]

Just want to say thanks to people like you that post videos that help us. Thank you!

[@joepublisher166]

Holy Smokes, typed "Pain in Front of Ankle And Top of Foot" and came up with this EXCELLENT video. First let me state, that I switched to a better shoe with an incline on the heel side and it helped immensely. I was disappointed this week when my daily walks experienced a familiar pain. I think I may have twisted on the landing and aggravated it. I also noted that my left shoe was tied loosely, which may have caused too much play. Anyway, if I was to self-diagnosis myself, I believe this video NAILS the location of the pain. Thanks for the suggestion to raise the heel. I'll give that a try, but what you said makes perfect sense. I believe I injured this ankle decades ago when I rolled it quite badly during a night run and landed on a curve. (Don't run at night people!) Thanks again for an EXCELLENT video!!!!

[@Footankle]

Glad we could help. Here is more information regarding pain on the front of the ankle. Hope it helps. www.footankle.com/front-of-ankle-pain/

[@laurenswanson2834]

Thank you for this info.

[@bollabjorn2410]

Thank you for this video - very informative.

[@rapnakaraibach6627]

Hello thank you for video. Is it possible to have posterior and front ankle impingement at the same time?

[@stevenowens4511]

Thanks, I just watched about eight different videos on anterior ankle impingement and yours was by far the most useful. I'd appreciate more information on what initially causes the problem, on what causes it to reoccur, and hence on how to avoid causing the reoccurrence, as well as the useful information you provided about how to address it when it does reoccur. By "causes", I mean at a body mechanics level, of course you can't know what circumstance in my life actually caused it. I'm pretty sure the initial cause in my case was putting my foot down wrong and rolling over to the outside, a year or two ago (not to mention needing less weight and more exercise, in general). But for example, I just had it flare up last night (hence my googling today). It seemed to come out of nowhere, in fact I was avoiding walking and exercise because a neuroma flared up from overdoing it over the weekend. So last night all I did was sit at my desk all afternoon and evening, working on my computer. Now, however, with a little more understanding of the body mechanics involved, I suspect the problem is that my new desk chair is a little too short, and thus I tend to end up sitting leaning forward a little, with my knees a little forward of my feet as a result, almost like a seated crouch. After a few hours of this, I'm guessing the "pinching" pressure between my tibia and talus builds up and aggravates things and then it swells up and becomes somewhat of a self-fulfilling prophecy. So obviously my first step is to address the current flare up (mild stretching and flexing of the joint, naproxen, while avoiding any vigorous activity) and then my second is to address the too-short office chair. And then my third, obviously after the ankle is back to feeling better, is to consider your recommendations about shoes and orthotics. I'd also like to work on exercises and stretching to make the ankle robust. Do you have any videos on that?

[@user-yq9mq5vf7b]

I noticed that the front of my ankles were hurting at work yesterday and they still do. I was at work at 2 pm and now it's almost 1 am where am and they still tense. They don't really hurt, but yeah.

[@karinswartz3046]

What about a tightening or squeezing sensation in that area or sometimes it feels like a band around that area. i had an MRI and it didn't show any bone spurs. Podiatrists don't know what is wrong but the worst problem for me is that any pressure on the top of the foot and the ankle area you pointed out in the video becomes very painful when I wear any shoe or even no show sock that puts any sort of pressure on those areas. i can't wear a running shoe because the tongue presses on the area and after walking for awhile. I start to limp and once I remove the shoe, i can walk normally. I can't wear most sandals because the strap touches the area. i find it difficult to wear slip on shoes because my foot has less support and my toe pushes up to the end of the shoe and rubs my toe raw. I have a narrow ankle, a wider foot at the front and a big toe that flips upwards and has probably gotten longer as I have aged. i have had this issue for many years now and it is very frustrating and because I can't wear good walking shoes, I find that I get stressed when we plan to travel or walk anywhere outside the house if we are going a significant distance or walking around a lot. Any ideas? The MRI does show a bit of arthritis in the foot, but years ago, I'm sure that was not the case. I'm currently on Arimidex with a typical side effect is to make the bones in the feet sore so that has just added to it all. I'm not sure if I mentioned that it is in the right foot that I have the ankle / foot issue.

[@jadghossein4851]

Excellent video! Thx for the info! Is it good to use compression socks for anterior ankle impingement??

[@Footankle]

It won't hurt but it is not a primary treatment.

[@jadghossein4851]

Foot & Ankle Center of Washington thank you :)

[@veenaparmar973]

Thanks for your informative video I'm having pinching pain infront of my ankel same way hope this will help me. Actually sorry to say video is not able to see clearly what you are showing on camera due to the cliping of what you are saying. So couldy see it clearly

[@ruthsalinas9479]

I can’t find the info for inserts and shoes in your website that were mentioned in this video.

[@Footankle]

Here you go: www.footankle.com/orthotics/off-the-shelf/

[@lululunavideos3610]

I've had this as long as I remember, but never played soccer/football. Both the lack of dorsiflexion, pain upon pushing too much, and clicking, are there, although I used to play tennis as a child. Is it possible to get this without playing soccer?

[@Footankle]

Absolutely. Sometimes it can happen just due to the way your foot functions. it's just more common in soccer players. See a podiatrist or orthopedist and get it evaluated.

[@lululunavideos3610]

Foot & Ankle Center of Washington Thank you, I will.

[@jackspradlin4183]

I have achy pain where you described playing tennis when foot in dorsiflexion and also soreness in bottom forward of inner ankle bone, is that also a symptom of a bone spur, walking is okay. Will spur usually go away if not too big.I had plantar fasciitis for about 3 months, did a lot of dorsiflexion stretches to get rid of it, thats when this came on as well, became sore just doing those stretches

[@Footankle]

This would require an exam to answer. Recommend you see a sports medicine oriented podiatrist in your area.

[@Junonino]

I had a sprained ankle a while ago. At first the pain was all around the ankle. Then it gravitated more towards the heel. But now it is pain in the front of the ankle, extensor I’d think, and it hurts when I plant the entire foot on the ground. I can walk painlessly if I walk tiptoe or on my heel. If I walk for too long the pain around the entire ankle returns. 🤷‍♂️

[@Sanjay00626]

fore same problem, for u how it takes to heal

[@baker1357]

Hi,I has Ankle Spurs removed 6 months ago however i still feel impingements. Is this just residue that I can grind away at with a sawing motion . I feel no restriction from the back of the ankle.

[@Footankle]

You may still be healing. It can take up to a year. You need to discuss this with your surgeon.

[@pamelakain4879]

Finally an answer 😁

[@Simonfrios]

After many sprains over the years and then a severe ankle fracture, I definitely have this kind of impingement. What are the surgical options should it come to that?

[@Footankle]

This page has more detailed information on ankle impingement and front of ankle pain: www.footankle.com/front-of-ankle-pain/

[@domr8796]

thank you so so much. I had to stop playing football (soccer) because of this and the physios couldn't work out what this was. Might help me find a solution now

[@Footankle]

This problem does require an x-ray for diagnosis. See a podiatrist who specializes in sports medicine if you can.

[@domr8796]

Foot & Ankle Center of Washington Thank you, I will be soon. I've had an MRI Scan previously, might that have picked it up? From the symptoms described it is exactly what I have. I used to play football a lot so it makes sense

[@dragonagariohd7147]

@@domr8796 Did it work out for you?

[@shannonm8114]

Its been 8 weeks dealing with this and its annoying cant bend at the knees… go down or up steps normal cant run jump skip nothing getting in or out the car i have to get in or our like im 100 yrs old

[@jordivanheijningen]

I think i have this. If i try to stretch my calves i only feel pain in the front o my ankle and i dont feel it in my calves. So i cant squat deep. Shall i go to a fysio? I dont have pain in daily activites but i cant squat deep.

[@Footankle]

First see a foot and ankle physician - either an orthopedist or a podiatrist. Get a diagnosis and treatment plan

[@sergiociccone6711]

I have been diagnosed with a bone spur on the tibia which is limiting dorsiflexion. I also have a lot of pain on the inside of my ankle after running. Custom orthotics have not helped with this ankle pain. Is there any solution that would allow me to continue running?

[@Footankle]

First, you should see a sports medicine oriented podiatrist for a complete work-up of the problem. In general using the heel lifts that I describe in the video can be helpful. Watch the video again and then let me know if you have other questions. If you don't get better, however, see a podiatrist.

[@JoshY01]

SURGERY! ANKLE ARTHROSCOPY!

[@prodbyaye8751]

Dude tell how to releive it also

[@JimmyVu415]

Can hip problems cause ankle problems?

[@Footankle]

Yes, and foot problems can cause hip problems. See a podiatrist who specializes in biomechanics for an opinion

[@strandedmexican]

Can I get surgery to remove bone spurs?

[@Footankle]

yes, but get a couple of opinions from specialists first to ensure that there is not a good non-surgical option before you resort to surgery

[@emciphorseben214]

I sprained my ankle 11 months ago. It was a grade 3 sprain. Until now my ankle is still unstable that i cant even do full squat. This also get swollen when i walk too much like 30 minutes walk. It was diagnosed with bone spurs and considered ankle impingement. Can this be healed by home therapy? Or does it already need surgery? Please advise doc. Thank you 😅

[@Footankle]

You can try the home treatments here, but if you are not seeing improvement please be sure to consult with a sports medicine podiatrist in your area www.footankle.com/ankle-conditions/unstable-ankles/

[@emciphorseben214]

@@Footankle thanks and stay safe

[@user-wt2st2dw2x]

How about a chiropractor?

[@Footankle]

Manipulation could provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying mechanical and/or structural issues. Ankle impingement pain is more likely to respond to a combination of appropriate mechanical control including orthotics, heel lifts and proper shoes and also strengthening.

[@umangmehta9155]

Is it possible to increase ankle dorsiflexion with this type of problem?

[@Footankle]

If there is a bone spur on the ankle bone that is blocking the motion, then there would be no way to increase dorsiflexion. A good podiatrist will be able to give you an answer after an examination.

[@umangmehta9155]

I found out today that I have bone spurs right on my tibia and talus bone. The podiatrist said he is able to surgically remove it so I am scheduling it within this month. Hopefully my dorsiflexion is able to increase after my bone spurs are removed!

[@ABrickHowse]

How did the surgery go? Did it help your dorsiflexion?

[@HpEverything]

I have this, i was skating and over bent my foot when i landed off a drop. Its been 6 weeks and it doesnt get better

[@HpEverything]

@Abby Ru no, I massage it with icyhot every night and wear an ankle brace. It doesn’t hurt now thats its been 9 weeks, now its just stiff and i cant move it a lot. Sad.

[@HpEverything]

@Abby Ru one i found at the nearest drug store, they should be there, hope you get better.

[@IvanSoCreamy]

@@HpEverything did it ever go away ? Same thing happend to me 2 years ago and never healed completely

[@HpEverything]

@@IvanSoCreamy nope never healed, quit skating ever since

[@z2001lhcjer]

Can driving a lot every day cause that pain?

[@Footankle]

This page has more detailed information on ankle impingement and front of ankle pain: www.footankle.com/front-of-ankle-pain/

[@robynned2659]

Hello and good evening... I hope you dont mind I share my whole life's story real quick... all my life I did ballet but struggled with balance en pointe on my right foot. At some point I realised that on my left foot I have a huge muscle, which on my right foot is just a hard rough bone - no muscle. I started running in March but was thrown off for about a month and a half with this pain in my ankle. Eventually I went to the Doctor and he said that where I have the muscle on my left foot, I actually have a boney growth on my right, which explains why there is no muscle. Where the muscle was supposed to form - bone formed. I also have a boney growth on my right wrist, as well as an asymetrical face to the right. We then thought I perhaps have a milder version of my dad - polyostotic fibrous dysplasia. either way... my ankle pain is right there between the base of my tibia and this boney growth. when I am done running, it feels like my tarsals are swelling and pushing one another away. Could this running pain and discomfort be anterolateral inpingement syndrome? if so... is it chronic or can I help it out somehow? I cannot run 3km at 7min/km for the rest of my life.

[@juanbo1982]

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[@carsonadrien8121]

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[@juanbo1982]

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[@carsonadrien8121]

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[@rawstrife9762]

I have perfect ankle mobility, I can rotate my ankle freely and I can also deep squat weights if I had to. Although, every time I jog I get serious pain in my front ankle within 5 minutes. I thought rest would fix my ankle but it's been over a month and I still feel pain when I jog. Does this mean that I need surgery? Someone plz reply...

[@Footankle]

See a podiatrist who specializes in sports medicine and find out what is wrong.

[@willperkin5763]

I seem to be experiencing these very symptoms, can swimming help at all with this condition? Is surgery usually the only way to fix this?

[@Footankle]

No, there are a number of conservative treatments that might help. You need to see a sports medicine podiatrist to get a workup.

[@ruthsalinas9479]

I’ve started walking 2-3 miles a few times a week. There’s a lot of uphill and I’ve been feeling pain in the front of my ankles especially the left when going uphill. Not sure if this is the condition I have? Can it happen from just walking?

[@Footankle]

Yes it could, but there's no way to know if this is what you have without an examination by a competent practitioner

[@abstractaccuracy8570]

I'm a SKATEBOARDER this hurts lol. Recovery time?

[@Footankle]

Depends on the diagnosis. See a sports medicine podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment plan.

[@nicholasbadia5049]

I've had this for 8 months and I came from being very active to not doing anything at all and when I got an MRI they couldn't find anything but all of the symptoms point to this and how do you heal this

[@Footankle]

There are many causes of ankle pain. You should get a 2nd opinion if you are not getting good answers from your current doctor.

[@nicholasbadia5049]

Foot & Ankle Center of Washington ok thnx it literally just healed after taking two months of rest and now the tendons in my ankle hurt

[@nabidc61]

@@nicholasbadia5049 it's been two years. How is your ankle feeling now? I have a similar issue.

[@rdranki1]

@@nicholasbadia5049 how are you feeling now?

[@TheSinatra]

@@nabidc61 did this happen to you

[@willinthearea6318]

The front of my ankle hurts when i'm sitting, lying down and just relaxing. It doesn't hurt when i'm walking. It hurts when i run or hike up a tall mountain. It's been like that for almost a year. Will it ever go back to normal? Dang it.

[@TheSinatra]

Did it ever fix bro?

[@heman594]

these are bandaid solutions that will make issues worse or create new ones, not fixing the source of issue

[@Footankle]

Ankle impingement due to a bone prolifereation at the anterior ankle joint is a difficult condition to treat at best. Surgery (the only definitive treatment of the "source of this issue") has significant risk and outcomes are not as predictable as we would like. The conservative treatments I discussed work most of the time, but certainly not always. Howeverr, there is no risk and they will almost never make the condition worse. If they fail, then surgical options are still available.

[@deepthimaret2213]

It's not feeling like pinching it feels like a broken bone ..It's killing me right now ... 😭😭😭😭😭

[@Footankle]

Please see a foot and ankle specialist to have an evaluation, get a definitive diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan.

[@shannonm8114]

Mri is better imo

[@joelwallenius2877]

So how do you actually make it better? I've been to 10 different PTs and 1 pediatrist, had an x-ray, and nothing. No bone growths, no obvious reason at all for the pinchy sensations when I try to dorsiflex properly. What the heck? This isn't how it's supposed to be. I want functional feet. I want to sit in a natural squat, damn it.

[@joelwallenius2877]

But I want to be independent of such things! I want to run an ultramarathon barefoot, squat barefoot, like a proper human is supposed to!

[@will.lesher]

Joel Wallenius any luck literally the same way

[@joelwallenius2877]

@@will.lesher Hey Will, I had yet another x-ray the other week, and the doctor said my talus bones are simply shaped poorly. There is too little room for the tibia to move forwards. :( However, he also said my high arches definitely did not help the situation... so now I'm working on relaxing my arches. Perhaps worth a try for you too?

[@will.lesher]

Joel Wallenius dang man, I’ll give it a try. Appreciate the response!

[@joelwallenius2877]

@@will.lesher GL to us both

[@lukesawtelle9083]

This video just tells how to deal with the pain not actually solve the problem 🤦‍♂️