Ankle popping or clicking is exceedingly common and often happens while walking or standing up. Sometimes it comes with other symptoms, such as pain or swelling. Most of the time, popping or clicking is harmless — but occasionally it’s a sign of a significant tendon or joint problem, and popping in the ankle after a sprain is a particular concern. So what causes your ankle to click or pop, and when should you worry?
What causes my ankle to pop with each step?
Common causes of ankle popping or clicking include the following:
Gas release
The most common cause of popping is the release of nitrogen bubbles in the ankle joint’s fluid. Moving the ankle disrupts these bubbles, causing a crack, pop, or click. This popping isn’t associated with pain or swelling, and it’s entirely normal — it doesn’t indicate any damage.
Peroneal tendon dislocation
The peroneal tendons run along the outside of the ankle, wrap around the fibula, and attach to the outside of the midfoot. A severe ankle sprain can tear the sheath (the retinaculum) that holds these tendons against the fibula. Once the sheath is torn, the peroneal tendons can slip (sublux) or dislocate out of their groove each time the ankle moves, producing a click or pop. The tendons can also move if the ligaments on the outside of the ankle are loose.
Recurrent ankle sprains and instability
Repeated twisting of the ankle can loosen or tear the ligaments on the outside. A loose, unstable ankle shifts during changes of direction, sideways movement, pivoting, and jumping — and can click or pop as it moves back into place.
Cartilage injury (OCD) of the ankle
With repeated ankle sprains, the cartilage lining the talus can be damaged. A piece of cartilage — sometimes with underlying bone — can become loose, forming an osteochondral lesion (OCD). This loose body can lodge in a narrow part of the joint, causing locking, popping, or clicking, and is usually accompanied by pain and swelling.
If symptoms are frequent, keyhole surgery may be needed. A badly damaged loose body is removed, while one in good condition can sometimes be repaired to restore the cartilage.
When to seek medical help for ankle popping at each step
If your ankle pops or clicks frequently, imaging can define the problem. X-ray and MRI can detect a loose body or arthritis, and dynamic ultrasound can show peroneal tendon subluxation due to a retinaculum tear.
That said, in most cases, no specific cause is found — meaning the symptoms are simply from nitrogen gas bubbles. See your doctor if you have frequent popping, clicking, or locking. Other symptoms, such as pain and swelling, increase the chance of a tendon or cartilage injury.
Popping in the ankle after a sprain: what does it mean?
We’re more concerned about the ongoing popping in the ankle after a sprain. Possible causes include peroneal tendon dislocation, cartilage (OCD) loosening, and ankle joint laxity, which can increase movement. Popping and pain after an ankle sprain are more likely to reflect a tendon or joint problem, and are worth getting assessed.
Frequently asked questions about ankle popping.
Should I worry about my ankle popping?
Usually not. Painless, occasional popping is almost always harmless and is due to the release of nitrogen gas from the joint. It’s worth getting checked if the popping is frequent or accompanied by pain, swelling, locking, or a feeling of the ankle giving way — especially if it started after an ankle sprain.
What does popping in the ankle after a sprain mean?
It’s more likely to be significant than everyday popping. The main causes are peroneal tendon subluxation (from a torn sheath), a cartilage (OCD) injury of the talus, or ankle instability from stretched ligaments. Popping with pain after a sprain should be assessed, often with an ultrasound or an MRI.
Why does my ankle pop when I walk or stand up?
Most commonly, it’s a harmless gas release — nitrogen bubbles in the joint fluid that release as the ankle moves. If it’s painless and not associated with swelling or giving way, it’s rarely a concern.
When should I see a doctor about a popping ankle?
See a sports doctor if the popping is frequent or accompanied by pain, swelling, locking, or instability — or if it began after an ankle sprain. These features increase the likelihood of a peroneal tendon, cartilage, or ligament problem that may benefit from treatment.
Can ankle popping be fixed?
Harmless gas-release popping needs no treatment. Where there’s an underlying cause — peroneal tendon subluxation, an OCD lesion, or ligament instability — treating that condition (with rehabilitation, and sometimes surgery) is what reduces the popping. An accurate diagnosis comes first.
Final word from Sport Doctor London about ankle popping
Ankle popping or clicking is a common complaint in active people, and most cases are benign and unrelated to any damage. See a sports doctor if your symptoms become more frequent, or you develop associated ankle pain and swelling — and remember that popping in the ankle after a sprain is particularly worth checking.
If your ankle popping is painful or persistent, Dr Masci can assess you in London, including an ultrasound in the clinic. Contact the team here or call +44 (0) 203 488 0350.
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