Posterior Ankle Impingement

Posterior ankle impingement causes pain in the back of the ankle due to compression of soft tissue or an extra bone (os trigonum) during plantarflexion. It is commonly seen in dancers and athletes who frequently point their toes.

Anterior Ankle Impingement

    • Pain behind the ankle with pointing or jumping

    • Swelling and tenderness

    • Difficulty performing push-off movements

  • MRI or X-ray confirms impingement and identifies an os trigonum if present.

  • Rest, anti-inflammatory therapy, and physiotherapy are first-line treatments. Persistent symptoms may require arthroscopic excision of the os trigonum or impinging tissue.

  • Most patients resume activity within 8–12 weeks after minimally invasive surgery.