Impingement Syndrome
What is it: Soft tissue impingement of the synovium or capsule of the ankle can occur after traumatic injuries, infection or with degenerative ankle disease and can lead to chronic pain. Ankle sprains are the most common cause.
How does it present: Patient will often complain of increasing ankle pain with increased activity; they may also have some swelling.
Common exam findings: The patient may have tenderness to palpation over the area of recurrent impingement. Findings otherwise may be nonspecific.
Tests and Treatment: X-rays are usually negative. MRI may show a "meniscoid" mass up to 30% of the time. Treatment usually starts conservatively with a rehabilitation program. Cases not responding to conservative treatment may require surgical intervention.