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Ankle Pain, Instability & Tendon Disorders

Ankle Ligament Tears & Joint Impingement

Causes, symptoms, and treatment for ankle ligament tears and joint impingement, with care at 15 clinics across Middle Tennessee.

Part of Ankle Pain, Instability & Tendon Disorders

Understanding ankle ligament tears and joint impingement and your options.

A ligament tear means one or more of the bands around the ankle have ripped, partly or fully. Impingement is different. It happens when soft tissue or bone gets pinched at the front or back of the ankle as it moves.

These problems often follow a bad sprain or repeated ankle stress. Dancers and runners are often affected. Finding the cause early can keep small problems from becoming lasting ones.

Request an appointmentCall 615-220-8788
Ankle Ligament Tears & Joint Impingement care

Symptoms

Signs of ankle ligament tears and joint impingement.

If you notice these signs, an exam can give you clear answers.

  • 01

    Sharp pinching pain when the ankle bends

  • 02

    Swelling that lingers after an injury

  • 03

    A catching feeling deep in the joint

  • 04

    Pain when pushing off or squatting

Why it happens

What can cause ankle ligament tears and joint impingement.

  • 01

    A severe sprain or repeated sprains

  • 02

    Extra bone growth at the joint edge

  • 03

    Scar tissue after an ankle injury

  • 04

    Repeated deep bending, as in dance or sport

Care groupAnkle Pain, Instability & Tendon Disorders

Diagnosis and care

How we treat ankle ligament tears and joint impingement.

Step 1 · Diagnosis

We press on the ankle and move it to find which tissue is pinched or torn. X-rays can show bone spurs. An MRI or ultrasound shows ligaments and soft tissue in more detail.

Step 2 · Treatment

Rest and a brace or boot can calm the ankle at first. Physical therapy rebuilds strength and steadier movement. Shoe changes, taping, and activity changes can lower stress on the joint. An injection may ease pain and swelling from pinched tissue.

If pain stays despite good care, surgery can repair torn ligaments or clean out scar tissue and bone spurs. Many of these procedures use small cuts.

Recovery

What to expect over time.

Non-surgical recovery often takes six to twelve weeks. After surgery, expect a few months before returning to full activity.

When to book

Do not wait it out.

See a podiatrist if ankle pain or swelling lasts more than a couple of weeks after an injury. Come sooner if the ankle catches, locks, or feels loose.

Call 615-220-8788

Related care

More in Ankle Pain, Instability & Tendon Disorders.

FAQ

Your questions answered.

Can a torn ligament heal on its own?

Some partial tears heal well with a brace and therapy. Complete tears may stay loose and need further care.

What does impingement feel like?

Most people feel a pinch at the front or back of the ankle when it bends far. It often eases with rest.

Get help with ankle ligament tears and joint impingement.

Request an appointmentCall 615-220-8788

Where we treat it

Ankle Ligament Tears & Joint Impingement care at 15 clinics.

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