Ankles pop and snap for many reasons. Ankle injuries are very common. Some ankle injuries lead to popping or snapping. Sometimes ankles snap and pop without an injury. The most common ankle injury is an ankle sprain. That involves an injury to at least one of the ligaments holding the bones around the ankle together. If the ligaments in your ankle remain loose the popping you feel might be due to the bones moving around more than usual because the ligaments are stretched or weak.
Under many circumstances snapping or popping of the ankle is not a worrisome issue. We are going to review occasions where your ankle should be evaluated and thoroughly examined.
Why Do Ankles Pop or Snap:
The 4 most common reasons your ankle might snap or pop include:
- Ankle Instability due to a chronic ligament injury
- A tendon snapping over the bones – usually the Peroneal Tendons
- OCD or Osteochondritis Dessicans: A loose piece of bone is formed in the ankle
- Many ankles pop and snap and have nothing wrong on exam and MRI.
Peroneal Tendon Instability:
This issue involves instability of the peroneal tendons on the outside or lateral side of your ankle. The peroneal tendons wrap around the fibula or the little bone on the outside of the ankle. If these tendons are not held tightly against the bone they may snap or pop. Popping or snapping of these tendons can occur without injury if your ligaments are a little loose. True peroneal tendon instability often occurs after a severe ankle sprain. When you roll your ankle the structure that normally holds the peroneal tendons in place may also tear. If that “retinaculum” tears, then every time you move your ankle the peroneal tendons can slide out of their groove and over the end of the fibula. This will create obvious snapping or pop on the outer side of your ankle. This post goes into far more detail on peroneal tendon subluxation.
OCD or Osteochondritis Dessicans:
Another reason for your ankle to pop or snap is osteochondritis dissecans or OCD of the ankle. OCD of the ankle involves a bone in the ankle called the Talus. Under certain circumstances, a portion of the cartilage and the bone can become loose within the ankle joint. OCD of the ankle can occur after a severe injury. OCD of the ankle can also occur due to chronic repetitive stress. This is mostly seen in young patients. When you have had OCD of the ankle a piece of bone and cartilage is loose within the ankle joint. When you use of the ankle that loose piece of cartilage and bone moving around can give you the sensation of popping, locking or snapping.
Ankle Sprains:
One of the most common causes of ankle popping is instability of the ankle joint itself. This usually occurs in someone who has suffered many ankle sprains. Sprains involve an injury to the ligaments holding the ankle bones together. After multiple sprains, the ligaments are no longer as tight as they were before the initial injury. Therefore, when you change direction, move sideways, or pivot and twist the ankle bones might be coming apart leading to instability and popping or snapping of the ankle bones as they come back together.
Many patients with ankle instability will respond quite well to wearing a compression sleeve, physical therapy program or bracing with certain athletic activities. If you do not respond to nonsurgical measures then your sports medicine professional may need to tighten the ligaments to minimize the risk of instability.
For those suffering from osteochondritis dissecans or OCD of the ankle with a loose piece of bone we typically need to perform a procedure called an ankle arthroscopy. This involves putting a small fiberoptic camera into the ankle to visualize all the surfaces. Sometimes the loose piece is able to be put back into place and repaired. On occasion, the piece of cartilage is too beaten up to repair. In that situation, the loose piece needs to be removed. OCD injuries are usually small. If a large piece of bone is involved we may need to consider a cartilage regeneration procedure. The goal of the cartilage regeneration is to minimize the risk of developing osteoarthritis.
When instability of the peroneal tendons on the outer side of the ankle is caught early, a short period of casting or bracing might allow the structure holding the tendons in place to heal. When bracing or casting does not work, then surgery to repair the structure holding the tendons in place will be needed to hold the peroneal tendons in place. If those tendons are allowed to snap and pop over the end of the fibula they might eventually tear if this injury is not addressed surgically.
As mentioned above, the most common cause of ankle popping or snapping is unknown. That means that your examination and an MRI may not reveal any obvious abnormality. Hopefully, a good exam and a good discussion with your doctor can explain why your ankle pops and put your mind at ease.
Monica says
After a swimming lesson I did last summer, my ankle started popping every time I rotate it. It’s been a year now, and it still does. But it doesn’t hurt. My parents think it’s fine, but should I see a doctor
Howard J. Luks, MD says
If you are concerned then it might be a good idea to see an Orthopedic Surgeon.
Nyokabi says
Hi,
I recently fractured my ankle and have been healing just fine ( currently rocking an ankle support brace) only as of 2 days ago my ankle crackles and if it fails to there’s a sharp pain that doesn’t last long when I walk. I’m wondering if this is normal or if there’s need to see my doctor before my review date which is in a week? And also what is causing it?
Howard J. Luks, MD says
I really couldn’t begin to guess what’s wrong. If you are concerned then you can move up your appointment.
Kevin says
I was working on a roof all last week and my ankle started popping and seems like its unstable. No pain unless I loose balance and it rolls. I bought a velcro brace so my foot doesn’t fall off. 37, no insurance. Think this will eventually go away or should I add it to the list of being old?
Howard J. Luks, MD says
You need to be very careful… and you should be tethered/tied off if you continue to work on a roof. If these symptoms continue you need to consider and exam and xrays. I would not attribute this to age… 37 is def not old.
Aviana says
Should I see a doctor if randomly I start to crack or pop my ankle so much to where if I stop cracking it the pain and being uncomfortable is unbearable to where I need to keep cracking it and sometimes I cry because it bothers me so much and sometimes it effects my sleep and I can’t focus on my school work.I am just 11 at the moment I can’t focus on my school work
Howard J. Luks, MD says
Perhaps it might be a good idea to see a an Orthopedic (Bone) doctor.
To, says
I’m 62 and was working a log splitter for 5 hours and was on my knees with my feet bent, anyway now I have a popping when I get up to walk and can feel the tendon move, will rst help it go away or do I need to see a doctor?
Thank You
Tom
Howard J. Luks, MD says
You might want to give it a few weeks to see if it will go away on its own.
Good Luck !