Anterolateral impingement of the ankle is a complication of recurrent lateral ankle sprains because of persistent ankle instability.

What are the signs and symptoms of anterolateral impingement syndrome?

The hallmark is ankle pain located in front of the ankle, at the outermost portion. Chronic ankle pain occurs, usually presenting as persistent pain or disability after an ankle sprain. There may be a history of a twisting ankle injury. When the patient bends over the foot moving forward, pain usually becomes worse. Pain is commonly localized to one area.  An experienced physician will be able to diagnose the condition based on a thorough clinical examination. In some patients, looseness in the ankle joint, or ankle instability, must also be looked into.

Causes of Anterolateral Impingement Syndrome

The frequent reason is a prior ankle sprain in which the patient has torn one or even several ligaments at the outer aspect of the ankle after twisting or inverting the foot. ALIS is commonly caused by sprains sustained while playing basketball, volleyball, or soccer. An injury to the ligament can lead to synovitis, scar tissue, and ultimately, impingement.

Treatment of ALIS

Nonsurgical Treatments

Often, the non-operative management is quite effective in anterolateral impingment syndrome treatment. In most cases, activity modification will help relieve the symptoms. Avoid activities that are known to aggravate symptoms. Ankle brace or ankle taping can help by limiting ankle motion. Anti-inflammatory medications or NSAIDs can help decrease inflammation within the joint. Corticosteroid injections into the ankle joint can sometimes aid in reducing the symptoms significantly.

Surgical Treatments

After attempts at nonsurgical interventions have failed for anterolateral impingment syndrome, surgery may be considered. Arthroscopic surgery utilizes a small keyhole incision, a tubelike camera, and fine instruments to repair the damage. Larger incisions may also be done.

———-