ANKLE IMPINGEMENT = BAD SQUATS (FIX IT!)

Anterior ankle impingement (aka ankle impingement) is where an individual has pain or restriction at the front of the ankle during dorsiflexion. The soft tissue gets "sandwiched" during activities that involve lots of ankle dorsiflexion. This can cause pain or limited range of motion during squats or jumping and landing.

How to fix anterior ankle impingement?

If its a muscular issue, start with the tissue work and stretching exercises seen in the video above. Additionally, strengthening exercises for the anterior compartment (tibialis anterior, etc) can be helpful. This strengthening of the muscles in and around the foot, ankle, and lower leg help promote proper joint mechanics.

For example, proper plyometric progressions (gradually ramping up intensity, etc) and will help condition the muscles to be strong and able to absorb force without risking impingement. Those progressions are beyond the scope of this video.

Watch the video above to learn how to start fixing it.

For a more in-depth breakdown of exercises for anterior ankle impingement - check out the 45-Day "Deep Squats" program as part of Flexibility University.