Medically reviewed by Misty Seidenburg
Pain at the front of the ankle, also known as anterior ankle pain, is a common condition that can significantly interfere with daily activities, sports, and overall mobility. In this blog, we’ll explore common causes of front of ankle (anterior) pain and offer practical strategies to treat and prevent discomfort.
Anterior ankle pain occurs in the front part of the ankle joint, which connects the foot to the leg. It can range from mild discomfort to sharp, intense pain that often worsens with walking, running, or jumping. It’s essential to identify the cause and seek treatment to prevent mobility issues and potential permanent damage.
Anterior ankle pain has several possible causes, which can make it challenging to pinpoint the exact issue without a thorough examination. In this section, we’ll explore the most common causes of front of the ankle pain to help you determine what might be contributing to your discomfort.
Ankle impingement syndrome occurs when tissues or bones in the front of the ankle become irritated due to compression or friction, typically during activities such as squatting or jumping. It can develop due to overuse, improper footwear, or previous injuries affecting the ankle’s structure.
Arthritis can cause inflammation and degeneration of the joint’s cartilage, resulting in stiffness and discomfort. Arthritis can develop from wear and tear over time or as a result of previous injuries, resulting in pain that becomes more noticeable with movement.
A stress fracture is a tiny crack in the bone caused by repetitive pressure or overuse. Symptoms include localized pain, swelling, and tenderness, particularly during activities that put weight on the ankle. As the fracture heals, pain may worsen with movement or after prolonged activity.
Tendinopathy is the inflammation of the tendons in the ankle, often caused by repetitive movements or overuse. Pain, swelling, stiffness, and tenderness in the front of the ankle, particularly during movement, are common symptoms of tendinopathy.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS) occurs when the posterior tibial nerve is compressed as it passes through the tarsal tunnel, located near the ankle, resulting in pain and numbness. TTS typically causes pain on the inside of the ankle but can also radiate to the front of the ankle, especially when the nerve is irritated. Symptoms may include burning, tingling, and sharp pain in the affected area.
Nerve entrapment in the ankle occurs when the nerve becomes compressed or irritated due to injury or swelling. This can cause sharp pain, tingling, or numbness in the front of the ankle and foot.
If your ankle pain is related to movement dysfunction, mechanical issues, or soft tissue injury, physical therapy may offer significant relief. Your physical therapist develops a personalized treatment plan to target the root cause of your pain. While physical therapy is effective for treating many causes of anterior ankle pain, there are times when it’s appropriate to see your healthcare provider.
Seek medical care if you have persistent discomfort that doesn’t improve with self-care, have ankle pain when walking, or more severe symptoms like numbness or tingling. They can help determine the underlying cause of the pain and recommend more advanced treatment options to be used in conjunction with physical therapy, such as injections, orthotics, or even surgery in severe cases.
Physical therapy is a highly effective treatment option for managing and relieving anterior ankle pain. Through targeted ankle mobility exercises and techniques, physical therapists can help reduce pain, improve mobility, and strengthen the muscles around the ankle.
Let’s explore how physical therapy treatments can support your recovery and prevent future injuries.
Stretching is an essential component of physical therapy for ankle pain, as it helps improve flexibility and release tension in tight muscles and tendons. Calf stretches help reduce tension in the Achilles tendon and lower leg muscles, providing relief for ankle pain.
Achilles tendon stretches target the Achilles tendon. While this tendon lies on the backside of the ankle and can cause pain near the heel, it can also affect how the joint moves and contribute to front of the ankle pain.
Strengthening exercises are equally important for stabilizing the ankle joint, preventing future injuries, and alleviating pain caused by weakness in the surrounding muscles. Resistance band exercises are effective for strengthening the ankle and foot muscles without putting excess strain on the joint.
Exercising each of the surrounding muscles of the ankle is the most beneficial to provide stability and balance and reduce excess strain at the front of the ankle.
The way you walk or run can place excessive stress on the ankle, leading to pain. A physical therapist will assess your gait and identify any irregularities that may be contributing to the pain.
They can recommend corrections, such as changes in stride length or foot positioning, to help distribute stress more evenly across the foot and ankle. This can lead to long-term relief from pain caused by abnormal movement patterns.
Manual therapy involves hands-on techniques used by physical therapists to alleviate pain and restore mobility in the ankle.
Common therapies include joint mobilization, which involves controlled, passive movements applied to joints to increase range of motion and reduce stiffness. It is especially beneficial for conditions like arthritis or impingement. This may include mobilizing joints in the ankle, foot, or even at the knee as each of these joints are closely inter-related.
Soft tissue mobilization targets muscles and tendons around the ankle, relieving tension and promoting healing, and is often used for patients with tendinopathy or muscle strain.
Another effective technique is myofascial release, the connective tissue that surrounds and supports muscles, organs, and other structures. These manual therapies, combined with stretching and strengthening exercises, can provide immediate pain relief and improve long-term ankle function.
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Preventing recurring ankle pain starts with proactive measures to protect and strengthen the ankle. Here are some tips to help maintain a healthy ankle:
By following these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of recurring ankle pain and maintain long-term ankle health.
Front of ankle pain can be debilitating, but relief is possible. If you’re experiencing ankle pain, physical therapy can provide the targeted treatment you need to feel and move better. Request a physical therapy appointment near you to get started.
