Posterior ankle impingement is a condition characterised by pain in the back of the ankle and heel due to compression of soft tissue or bone when the foot is angled away from the body (plantarflexed). It is more common in patients involved in repeated push off manoeuvres like ballet dancers, footballers, or downhill runners. It is usually associated with an enlarged or accessory bone on the back of the ankle (os trigonum), inflammation of a tendon or ankle or subtalar joint disease,
Diagnosis maybe confirmed with X rays, CT or MRI scan.
Posterior ankle impingement often improves with rest, anti-inflammatory medications, bracing, or steroid injections followed by a period of muscle strengthening exercises. Refractory cases may need an open or arthroscopic minimally invasive treatment of the offending problem.