Ankle popping or clicking is exceedingly common. Often, these symptoms can occur while walking or standing up. Sometimes, popping can occur with other symptoms, such as pain or joint swelling. Generally, popping or clicking is harmless and not a concern, but sometimes, these symptoms can be secondary to a significant tendon or joint problem. Popping in ankle after a sprain is a concern. So what causes your ankle to click or pop, and when do you need to worry?
What causes your ankle to pop or click?
The common causes of ankle popping or clicking include:
Gas release
The most common cause of popping is the release of nitrogen bubbles in the ankle joint’s fluid. Movement of the ankle disrupts the nitrogen bubbles, causing a crack, pop, or click. Generally, popping from releasing nitrogen bubbles is not associated with other symptoms such as pain or swelling.
The popping from the gas release is entirely usual and does not indicate damage.
Tendon dislocation
Sometimes, the tendons outside your ankle, called the peroneal tendons, can become damaged. These tendons wrap around the fibula and attach to the outside of the mid-foot.
Damage to the tendons can occur after a severe ankle sprain. Twisting of the ankle can tear the sheath, also known as the retinaculum, that keeps the tendons close to the fibula. If the sheath tears, then every time you move the ankle, the peroneal tendons can sublux or dislocate out of the groove in the bone, leading to a click or pop.
The peroneal tendons can occasionally move if the ligaments outside of the ankle are loose.
Recurrent ankle sprains
Repeated twisting of your ankle loosens or tears the ligaments outside the ankle. A loose ankle joint means that the ankle moves during changes of direction, sideways, pivoting, and jumping. Movement of the ankle can produce a click or pop as it moves back into its correct place.
Cartilage injury in the ankle joint
Sometimes, with repeated ankle sprains, damage occurs to one part of the ankle joint called the talus. The cartilage lining the talus can become loose, leading to OCD or osteochondral lesions. In addition, this loose body can contain cartilage and bone. Occasionally, this loose body can become lodged in. a narrow part of the joint, leading to locking, popping, or clicking.
Generally, a loose body is also accompanied by pain and swelling in the ankle.
If symptoms are frequent, keyhole surgery is needed to fix the loose body. The loose body must be removed if it is too damaged to repair. However, restoring the cartilage may be possible if the loose body is in a good state.
When to seek medical help for ankle popping
If your ankle pops or clicks frequently, imaging can help define the problem. X-ray and MRI scans can detect a loose body or arthritis. Dynamic ultrasound can show peroneal tendon subluxation due to a retinaculum tear.
Nonetheless, no cause for ankle popping or clicking is found in most cases, meaning the symptoms are related to nitrogen gas bubbles.
You should see your doctor if you have frequent popping, clicking, or locking. Also, other symptoms, such as pain and swelling, increase the chances of a tendon or cartilage injury.
Popping in ankle after sprain: what does it mean?
Generally, we are more concerned about ongoing popping in the ankle after a sprain. Possible causes include peroneal tendon dislocation, ankle cartilage loosening, and ankle joint laxity, causing increased joint movement.
Popping and pain after an ankle sprain is more likely to be associated with tendon or joint pathology.
Final word from Sportdoctorlondon regarding ankle popping
Ankle popping or clicking is a common complaint in active people. Generally, most cases are benign and not related to damage. You should see a sports doctor if your symptoms become more frequent or you develop associated ankle pain and swelling. Popping in ankle after a sprain is particularly concerning.
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