Anterior Ankle Impingement Brace

How Do You Fix Anterior Ankle Impingement?

Anterior ankle impingement is a condition where there is pain and limited movement in the front of the ankle due to soft tissue or bone structures getting pinched or irritated. Here are several ways to address it:

• Rest

Taking a break from activities that aggravate the ankle, such as running, jumping, or prolonged standing, gives the body a chance to reduce inflammation and start the healing process. For example, if you're a regular runner, you might need to cut back on your mileage or take a few days to a couple of weeks off from running completely depending on the severity of the impingement.

• Strengthening Exercises

Working on strengthening the muscles around the ankle, including ankle inversion and eversion exercises using resistance bands, and balance training like single-leg stands. Stronger muscles can better support the ankle joint and reduce abnormal stress on the impinged structures.

• Wearing Ankle Braces

Stability: Ankle braces offer added stability to the ankle joint. For anterior ankle impingement, they can prevent excessive dorsiflexion (bending the foot upward) which is often what aggravates the impingement. By limiting this movement, they protect the irritated tissues in the front of the ankle from further damage.

Compression: The compression provided by the brace for ankle impingement helps reduce swelling. It promotes better blood circulation in the area, which in turn aids in the removal of inflammatory substances and the delivery of nutrients for tissue repair.

Pain Relief: The support and stability from the ankle impingement brace can take some of the load off the affected area, reducing pain during movement. It also serves as a reminder to the wearer to be cautious with their ankle movements and avoid actions that might cause more pain. 

• Medications

Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen can relieve pain and decrease inflammation. However, it's important to follow the proper dosage instructions and consult a doctor if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking other medications that could interact.

It's vital to have a proper medical evaluation by an orthopedic specialist or a sports medicine doctor before starting any treatment plan. They can accurately diagnose the cause and severity of the anterior ankle impingement and guide you on the most appropriate steps for recovery.