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Posterior Ankle Impingement

Written by Tele Demetrious

Updated:

(Also known as Ankle Impingement, Posterior Impingement Syndrome, Posterior Impingement of the Ankle, Os Trigonum Syndrome)

What is posterior ankle impingement?

Posterior ankle impingement is a condition characterised by tissue damage at the back of the ankle joint due to compression of these tissues during maximal ankle plantarflexion (figure 2).

The ankle joint primarily comprises of the articulation of two bones, the tibia (shin bone) and a small bone which lies directly beneath it called the talus (figure 1). The surface of each bone is lined with cartilage, cushioning the impact of the tibia on the talus during weight bearing activity.

Relevant Anatomy for Posterior Ankle Impingement
Figure 1 – Relevant Anatomy for Posterior Ankle Impingement

When the foot and ankle are pointed maximally away from the body (plantarflexion – figure 2), the ankle is compressed at the back of the joint. This may result in tissue damage and pain if the compressive forces are too repetitive or forceful (particularly in the presence of ankle swelling or bony anomalies, such as an additional bone, known as an “os trigonum”). This condition is known as posterior ankle impingement.

Ankle Plantarflexion for posterior ankle impingement
Figure 2 – Ankle Plantarflexion

Causes of posterior ankle impingement

Posterior ankle impingement is commonly found in gymnasts, ballet dancers, and footballers, all of whom maximally plantarflex their ankles (figure 2) during their activities. It is also commonly seen in the front landing leg of fast bowlers in cricket.

Posterior ankle impingement often occurs due to inadequate rehabilitation of an acute ankle injury (such as a sprained ankle). Sometimes, patients with anatomical variants in their talus bone (such as an os trigonum) may have an increased likelihood of developing this condition.

Signs and symptoms of posterior ankle impingement

Patients with posterior ankle impingement typically experience pain during activities requiring maximal plantarflexion of the ankle or after these activities with rest (especially at night or first thing in the morning).

Provocative activities may include:

Symptoms are typically felt at the back of the ankle, or in the Achilles region and may present as a dull ache or a more acute / sharper pain. Symptoms may increase on firmly touching the back of the ankle joint and occasionally may be referred into other regions, such as the calf or foot.

Diagnosis of posterior ankle impingement

A thorough subjective and objective examination from a physiotherapist may be all that is necessary to diagnose posterior ankle impingement. Further investigations such as an X-ray, MRI, CT scan or Ultrasound may assist with diagnosis and help to identify the presence of an os trigonum.

Treatment for posterior ankle impingement

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Contributing factors to the development of posterior ankle impingement

There are several factors which can predispose patients to developing posterior impingement of the ankle. These need to be assessed and corrected with direction from a physiotherapist. Some of the factors which may contribute to the development of this condition include:

Physiotherapy for posterior ankle impingement

Physiotherapy treatment is vital to hasten the healing process and ensure an optimal outcome in all patients with this condition. Treatment may comprise:

Other intervention for posterior ankle impingement

Despite appropriate physiotherapy management, some patients with this condition do not improve. When this occurs, the treating physiotherapist can advise on the best course of management. This may include pharmaceutical intervention, corticosteroid injection, further investigations such as an X-ray, CT scan, MRI or Ultrasound or referral to appropriate medical authorities who can advise on any intervention that may be required to improve the condition. For those patients with bony anomalies (i.e “os trigonum”) or prominent bony spurs, surgical intervention may be indicated to remove the bone or bony prominence at the back of the talus. Occasionally, a consultation with a podiatrist may be indicated to correct abnormal foot biomechanics and improve the condition. The treating physiotherapist can advise if this is required.

Exercises for posterior ankle impingement

The following exercises are commonly prescribed to patients with this condition. You should discuss the suitability of these exercises with your physiotherapist prior to beginning them. Generally, they should be performed 1 – 3 times daily and only provided they do not cause or increase symptoms.

Your physiotherapist can advise when it is appropriate to begin the initial exercise and eventually progress to the intermediate, advanced and other exercises. As a general rule, addition of exercises or progression to more advanced exercises should take place provided there is no increase in symptoms.

Initial Exercise

Calf Stretch with Towel

Begin this stretch in long sitting with your leg to be stretched in front of you. Your knee and back should be straight and a towel or rigid band placed around your foot as demonstrated (figure 3). Using your foot, ankle and the towel, bring your toes towards your head as far as you can go without pain and provided you feel no more than a mild to moderate stretch in the back of your calf, Achilles tendon or leg. Hold for 5 seconds and repeat 10 times at a mild to moderate stretch provided the exercise is pain free.

Exercises for Posterior Ankle Impingement - Calf Stretch with Towel
Figure 3 – Calf Stretch with Towel

Intermediate Exercises

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Advanced Exercises

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Other Exercises

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Rehabilitation Protocol for posterior ankle impingement

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Physiotherapy Products for Posterior Ankle ImpingementPhysiotherapy products for posterior ankle impingement

Some of the most commonly recommended products by physiotherapist for patients with this condition include:

To purchase physiotherapy products for posterior impingement of the ankle click on one of the above links or visit the PhysioAdvisor Shop.

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