Dr.karnav Panchal is a specialist in knee, hip, shoulder and elbow related problems. After completing his M.S. in orthopedics at B.J. Medical College, one of the prestigious institutes in India, he has been trained in the fields of joint replacement surgeries and sports injuries at Mumbai and South Korea.
You may be experiencing Anterior Ankle Impingement – a condition where bone spurs or soft tissue are trapped or compressed at the front of the ankle joint, often due to repetitive stress, trauma, or previous ankle injuries.
Dr. Karnav Panchal, a leading orthopedic and ankle specialist in Ahmedabad, offers accurate diagnosis and effective treatment – both conservative and surgical – to help you return to an active, pain-free life.
Also known as “footballer’s ankle”, anterior ankle impingement occurs when soft tissue or bony structures at the front (anterior) of the ankle become pinched during dorsiflexion (when you lift your foot upward).
It typically affects:
Athletes (footballers, runners, dancers)
Laborers or individuals with frequent ankle bending
People with repeated ankle sprains or injuries
Repetitive dorsiflexion (e.g., kicking, squatting, running uphill)
Chronic ankle instability or sprains
Bone spur (osteophyte) formation at the front of the tibia or talus
Soft tissue inflammation, scar tissue, or synovitis
Poor ankle biomechanics or flat feet
Post-traumatic changes after ankle fractures
Sharp or aching pain in the front of the ankle
Pain worsens with activities like walking, running, jumping, or squatting
Limited ankle range of motion, especially upward bending
Swelling or tenderness at the front of the joint
A “pinching” sensation during movement
Clicking or catching in some cases
Detailed clinical examination for movement-triggered pain
X-rays to detect bone spurs or joint space narrowing
MRI scan to evaluate soft tissue inflammation or synovitis
CT scan for detailed bony abnormalities
Diagnostic injections may be used to confirm the source of pain
Best suited for early or mild cases:
Rest and activity modification
Ice and anti-inflammatory medications
Physiotherapy to improve joint mobility and strength
Ankle bracing or taping
Corticosteroid injection to reduce inflammation (in selected cases)
✅ Many patients respond well to a dedicated rehab protocol.
Recommended when conservative therapy fails or bone spurs are limiting motion.
Relief from chronic pain and swelling
Restored ankle mobility and function
Prevention of further joint damage or arthritis
Quick return to daily activities and sports
Long-term protection of joint cartilage and stability
You may benefit from surgery if you:
Have pain in the front of your ankle that limits movement
Experience discomfort during sports or walking uphill
Have failed to improve with therapy after 3–6 months
Have bone spurs visible on X-ray or CT
Want to return to active lifestyle without restrictions
✅ Expert in minimally invasive ankle arthroscopy
✅ Sports injury specialist trusted by athletes and active individuals
✅ Advanced diagnostic and surgical facilities
✅ Personalized treatment plans and rehab protocols
✅ 1000+ foot and ankle procedures successfully performed
Dr. Karnav Panchal operates in Ahmedabad’s top orthopedic hospitals equipped with:
Robotic-assisted surgery systems (where available)
Computer-navigated instruments
Infection-controlled surgical suites
Dedicated rehab and physiotherapy units
Minimal access surgical tools for microplasty
Conservative care: 2–6 weeks of therapy
Post-surgery:
Walking with support in 1–2 weeks
Full mobility by 4–6 weeks
Return to sports in 8–12 weeks with rehabilitation
From Ahmedabad to Surat, Rajkot to Udaipur, patients and athletes trust Dr. Karnav Panchal for expert care in managing ankle impingement and complex joint problems.
It can become serious if left untreated, causing chronic pain and joint degeneration.
Yes, early-stage soft tissue impingement may improve with rest, therapy, and injections.
Small instruments are inserted through tiny incisions to remove impinging tissue or bone spurs.
Most patients walk with support within 1–2 weeks and return to full activity in 6–10 weeks.
Absolutely. Most athletes return to sports within 2–3 months, depending on the procedure and rehab.
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