Ankle Pain When Pointing Foot Down?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,


Ankle impingement

occurs when either soft or bony tissues are compressed within the ankle joint at the extreme end of a motion, such as pointing the foot sharply downward.

What does anterior ankle impingement feel like?

Some of the more common symptoms of anterior ankle impingement include:

Front of ankle pain, usually described as a dull ache during rest and sharp pain with exercise or weight-bearing

. Increased symptoms following certain activities, like squatting, walking, or running.

How long does it take to recover from ankle impingement?

Recovery time after an anterior ankle impingement can vary widely depending on the extent of the injury. Typically, it takes

four to six weeks

before athletes can get back to their normal activities. Recovery time can take longer for severe cases.

Can ankle impingement go away on its own?

Return to activity or sport depends on the individual, but

athletes with uncomplicated cases are able to return within a 4- to 6-week time frame

. It may take longer for the pain to go away completely but this should not impact the ability to perform sport-specific activities prior to return.

Why does the outside of my ankle hurt when I point my toes?

Common symptoms of

peroneal tendon injuries

include: Pain on the outer ankle, which gets worse with activity such as walking, running, or pushing off the ball of the foot. Swelling or tenderness behind the ankle bone. Pain or weakness when pointing the toe or moving the foot outward.

How do I know if I have an ankle impingement?

What are the symptoms of posterior ankle impingement?

Searing pain to the rear of the ankle when involved in activities in which the foot is angled outwards

is a common symptom, together with aching and swelling when at rest post-activity.

How do you test for ankle impingement?

The clinical test for anterolateral ankle impingement is the impingement test or Molloy-Bendall test. Athletes perform this by

dorsiflexing the ankle while simultaneously palpating and pressing the anteromedial ankle joint area

.

How do you test for anterior ankle impingement?

How do you fix an anterior ankle impingement?

The treatment for anterior impingement in the ankle can include physical therapy to help improve the range of motion and break down scar tissue, anti-inflammatory medications to relieve pain and swelling, and ultimately surgery to remove the tissue or bone that is causing the blockage.

What is footballer’s ankle?

Footballer’s ankle is

the painful build-up of bone spurs in the front of the ankle joint blocking motion

. These conditions are common in athletes after repetitive ankle trauma like Soccer players. Trauma causes an increase in the joint lining, which is then pinched in the front of the ankle causing pain.

Does stretching help ankle impingement?

Who is talus?

The talus is

the bone at the top of the foot that serves as a perch for the tibia and holds the weight of the entire body

. The talus is considered a short bone and is one of the main bones of the ankle.

How common is ankle impingement?

The most common ankle injury is a sprain of the ATFL, which typically results from a plantar flexion/inversion mechanism,

12 , 13

and impingement is an uncommon sequela (occurring in

approximately 2% of cases

).

Why does the top of my ankle hurt when I point my toes?


Extensor tendonitis

: This is caused by overuse or tight-fitting shoes. The tendons that run along the top of the foot and pull the foot upwards become inflamed and painful. Sinus tarsi syndrome: This is rare and characterized as an inflamed sinus tarsi, or the channel found between the heel and the bone of the ankle.

Why does the inside of my ankle hurt when I point my toes?


Os trigonum syndrome is usually triggered by an injury, such as an ankle sprain

. The syndrome is also frequently caused by repeated downward pointing of the toes, which is common among ballet dancers, soccer players, and other athletes.

Why does the top of my foot hurt when I point my toes?


Extensor Tendinitis

The extensor tendons are run alongside the top of the foot and are needed for pulling the entire foot upward so that the toes are pointing towards the sky. If they become torn or inflamed due to overuse or wearing shoes that don’t offer proper arch support, this is diagnosed as extensor tendinitis.

How painful is anterior ankle impingement?

Symptoms. Typically, people with anterior ankle impingement have

pain over the front of the ankle joint

, especially when the foot is pushed upwards towards the shin (dorsiflexion). This area is often tender, and occasionally the bone spur can be felt over the front of the ankle.

What is a left ankle impingement?

Definition/Description: The anterior impingement syndrome of the ankle is

a strangulation that can be caused by soft tissue, like the joint capsule or scar tissue, and hard tissue which refers to bone tissue

. It’s location is the anterior side of the ankle in the talocrural joint.

Why does it hurt to Dorsiflex?

These symptoms are caused by a

dorsiflexion-inversion stress injury that pulls the peroneal retinaculum off the lateral malleolus

. Athletes usually complain of snapping and sudden sharp pain when changing directions or pushing off with the foot.

How do you get ankle impingement?

Posterior ankle impingement results from

compression of structures posterior to the tibiotalar and talocalcaneal articulations during terminal plantar flexion

. Pain is caused by mechanical obstruction due to osteophytes and/or entrapment of various soft tissue structures due to inflammation, scarring or hypermobility.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.