Persistent ankle pain that won’t settle, especially during everyday tasks like squatting or climbing stairs, isn’t something to ignore. If your ankle catches, pinches, or locks during movement, there’s a good chance you could be dealing with anterior ankle impingement, a condition that often goes undiagnosed but significantly limits mobility.
At Perfect Balance Clinic in Moorgate, we work with individuals from all walks of life – runners, professionals, and those managing older injuries to restore full ankle function and confidence in movement.
Don’t wait for ankle pain to resolve itself. Get a clear diagnosis and a personalised treatment plan at Perfect Balance Clinic in Moorgate! Book your appointment today and take the first step toward pain-free movement.
What Is Ankle Impingement?
Trapping of bone or tissue during ankle movement results in impingement. Regular compression causes the joint to hurt, feel tight, and move less freely.
There are two key types:
- Anterior ankle impingement: Activities involving upward foot movement can trigger front ankle pain. Individuals with previous ankle injuries may find these activities cause discomfort.
- Posterior ankle impingement: Pain occurs at the back of the ankle, often during movements like pointing the toes or pushing off. Dancers, gymnasts, and footballers often report this pattern.
Can It Heal on Its Own?
Mild flare-ups may settle briefly with rest, but if the cause is structural, like a bone spur or thickened ligament, it typically doesn’t improve without the right intervention. Trying not to feel the pain might start a cycle of more stress and less movement.
Resting alone might not be enough…. Perfect Balance Clinic in London can help you find the real issue.
Causes and Risk Factors
A range of things can lead to ankle impingement. A few of the most common include:
- Previous ankle sprains that left scar tissue or changed the joint mechanics
- Repetitive load from running, cutting, jumping or dancing
- Bone growths (osteophytes) that form due to long-term irritation
- Incomplete rehab after injury, leading to poor joint control and compensatory movement
These factors can cause the space within the joint to narrow, trapping tissue and leading to chronic irritation.
Recognising the Symptoms
Pain often develops gradually and becomes worse with certain ankle positions. You might notice:
- A sharp, pinching feeling at the front or back of your ankle
- Stiffness, especially after rest or early in the morning
- Reduced ability to bend the ankle fully, either upward or downward
- Swelling that persists, even after a long break from sport or activity
- A catching or locking sensation during walking or squatting
Many patients report difficulty going up or down stairs, or avoiding deep bends in the ankle altogether.
X-Rays and Imaging: What Can They Show?
While a clinical assessment is usually the starting point, imaging may be recommended depending on your symptoms.
- X-rays are useful for identifying bony changes or joint narrowing.
- MRI scans help detect swelling, scar tissue, or ligament thickening.
- Ultrasound allows us to observe how tissues behave in real-time as you move.
At Perfect Balance Clinic, we work with trusted imaging providers when detailed scans are needed.
Treatment That Makes a Difference
We focus on restoring natural movement and reducing the underlying cause of the impingement. Most people improve without surgery when given the right care.
Here’s what your treatment may involve:
Manual Therapy
Hands-on mobilisation techniques help restore joint glide and ease pressure on sensitive structures. These techniques are especially effective in the early phases of recovery.
Strength and Control Work
Rebuilding strength in the ankle, foot, and lower leg improves how you move and how your ankle handles load. If your injury is old, we’ll also work on correcting poor movement habits.
Movement Retraining
We often use gait analysis to pinpoint how your walking or running style might be contributing to your symptoms. From there, we can re-train patterns that reduce stress on the joint.
Shockwave and Laser Therapy
These targeted technologies are used to ease inflammation and support tissue recovery, especially helpful in stubborn or long-standing cases.
Individual Exercise Programmes
We’ll guide you through a tailored plan that includes mobility, balance, and loading exercises designed around your specific goals.
No two treatment paths are the same and that’s what makes recovery effective.
Is Surgery Ever Necessary?
In some cases, if there’s a clear mechanical blockage such as a large bone spur, arthroscopic surgery might be considered. This minor surgery takes away the bit that’s causing pain.
However, we aim to resolve the issue without surgery whenever possible. Most clients see significant improvement with structured therapy and rehabilitation.
What If You Ignore It?
Letting ankle impingement continue untreated often leads to worsening function. You may start to favour one side, experience more frequent sprains, or lose the ability to move through full ranges.
Over time, this can contribute to joint breakdown, chronic swelling, and reduced confidence in daily tasks.
Getting early input can help prevent the condition from becoming long-term and more difficult to manage.
Why Choose Perfect Balance Clinic in Moorgate?
Our Moorgate location is equipped with everything you need to address ankle impingement without delay. We offer:
- Expert physiotherapy and sports therapy services
- Advanced treatments including shockwave and laser
- Gait analysis to improve long-term outcomes
- Rehabilitation planning tailored to your lifestyle
Our multidisciplinary approach ensures no aspect of your recovery is overlooked.
Real Stories, Real Progress
If you’re still unsure whether treatment can make a difference, it helps to hear from others who were once in your shoes.
It’s common for people to come to our Moorgate clinic feeling fed up after a long struggle.. After a clear diagnosis and the right support, they return to the activities they love.
Book Your Appointment
You don’t have to face this alone, our Moorgate team is here to help you move with ease again.. We’ll be in touch shortly after you fill in the form for your Moorgate assessment.
Finding Us in Moorgate
Perfect Balance Clinic – Moorgate
Centrally located near Moorgate and Liverpool Street stations. Easily accessible via public transport.
Please note: There is no on-site parking available at the Moorgate clinic. We recommend using public transport or nearby public car parks, such as:
- Finsbury Square Car Park
- London Wall Car Park
We offer early morning and evening appointments to accommodate your schedule.
Regain Confidence with Every Step
Living with ankle pain can quietly chip away at your confidence making you second-guess your movements, avoid activity, or simply feel stuck.
But with a structured approach and support from the right professionals, things can change quickly.
If you’re ready to take that first step toward pain-free movement, we’re here to help.
Book a Consultation Today
Perfect Balance Clinic, Moorgate
