Ankle popping is very common. It’s not a cause for concern in most cases. But if your ankle popping is accompanied by pain or swelling, it may have a more serious cause.
If your popping ankle isn’t causing any pain, it’s likely caused by either:
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- gas being released from your joint capsule
- your peroneal tendons rubbing over the joint’s bony structures
Let’s take a closer look at the most common causes of ankle popping and why this happens.
Gas release
When you move your ankle, you stretch the joint capsule that’s filled with fluid to keep it lubricated. When bubbles of nitrogen or other gases in this fluid are released, it may cause a loud popping sound.
Tight muscles can contribute to this gas release, which is why you may notice joint popping more often after periods of inactivity, or when you first get up in the morning.
Joint popping caused by gas release is normal. It’s not a sign of joint damage or an underlying condition.
Tendon rubbing
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One of the most common causes of ankle noise is caused by your peroneal tendons rubbing over your ankle bone.
You have three peroneal muscles on the outside part of your lower leg. These muscles stabilize your ankle joint. Two of these muscles run through a groove behind the bony bump on the outside of your ankle.
If the tendons from these muscles slip out of this groove, you may get a snapping or popping sound and feeling. It’s not a cause for concern if it doesn’t cause pain.
If you’ve recently had an ankle injury, such as a sprained ankle, you may notice more frequent ankle popping.
Tendon subluxation
The tendons of your peroneal muscles are held in place by a band of tissue called the peroneal retinaculum.
If this band becomes elongated, separated, or torn, it can cause your peroneal tendons to slip out of place and lead to a snapping noise when you move your ankle. This is known as subluxation.
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Subluxation is relatively uncommon. It most often occurs in athletes when a sudden force twists their ankle inward. This type of injury may require surgical repair.
Tendon dislocation
A dislocation occurs when the tendons of your peroneal muscles get pushed out of their usual location. When this happen, it can cause a popping or snapping sound in your ankle, along with:
- inflammation
- swelling
- pain
A peroneal tendon dislocation may occur during an ankle sprain. You’ll need medical attention to ensure that the tendons return to their correct position.
Osteochondral lesion
Osteochondral lesions are injuries to the cartilage on the ends of your bones. These lesions can cause clicking and locking in the ankle, and are often accompanied by swelling and limited range of motion.
Osteochondral lesions are present in 50 to 70 percent of ankle sprains and fractures. Doctors can diagnose them using MRI, a type of imaging test. These lesions may require surgery.
These lesions can also form as a result of osteoarthritis. As you age, the cartilage at the end of your bones wears down and the rough edges can cause pain and noise.
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