Treatment for anterior ankle bony impingement focuses on relieving pain caused by abnormally shaped ankle bones, and preventing further injury of the ankle.

Ankle impingement occurs when the bones of the ankle are abnormally shaped, causing the bones to hit against each other during movement. This causes achy or stabbing pain in the front of the ankle, especially when the foot is flexed upward, resulting in damage to the ankle joint over time.

Treatment

Anterior ankle bony impingement can sometimes be treated with anti-inflammatory medication and avoiding activities that cause symptoms. If symptoms persist, your child may need arthroscopic surgery to reshape the bone, which helps reduce pain and other symptoms, and prevent further damage.

Rehabilitation and recovery

Patients are typically able to return to activity a few months after surgery. With physical therapy, we work with our patients to make sure they are employing the proper techniques for sports-related activities like lifting, squatting, running and throwing to help prevent future injuries.

Depending on the patient’s prior activity level and needs for returning to their sport, we’ll progress his or her exercises and develop a home-exercise program to continue strengthening after being discharged from physical therapy.