“Why does my ankle pop when I walk?”
I am a 49 year old male and I go for walks frequently. I noticed lately that my ankle pops during my walks. It doesn't hurt though. Why does my ankle pop when I walk?
18 Answers
The reason usually is due to a ligament or tendon moving out of and getting back in the place of moving a joint. however, there is a reason/root cause why the ligament or tendon is doing that. I recommend that you see a foot doctor to find the root cause, to prevent other compensation conditions.
The popping is most often a tendon popping in and out of its groove or a joint capsule. If it is not painful, it is probably not a problem.
Could be scar tissue popping and breaking up, could have damaged a ligament and that could be getting caught. Could also have some cartilage in the joint that is loose and that is popping as well.
YOU NEED TO VISIT A PODIATRIST IMMEDIATELY!!!! THAT, PROBABLY MEANS YOU HAVE PROBLEMS WITH YOUR LIGAMENTS!!! YOU SHOULD NOT USE HIGH HEELS, GET A BRACE FOR YOUR ANKLE!!! BUT MUST IMPORTANTLY, PLEASE GO TO A PODIATRIST ASAP!!
Popping ankles are a common problem. It normally means you have hyper flexible joints. As long as there is no pain, you're fine. It can be a precursor, however, to sprains around your ankle. I would try to walk with a lace up ankle brace.
Dr. Patel
Dr. Patel
There could be many reasons why your ankle pops. If you had previous ankle sprains, it may be due to a previously injured ligament that holds the ankle together. It might be due to loose ligaments associated with ligamentous laxity. It may be due to a injured ligament that used to hold the peroneal tendons in place but is no longer doing so. It may also be due to a loose piece of bone or cartlige that is floating in your ankle and causing the ankle to “pop”. Best thing to do would be to visit a professional to evaluate you. In the meantime wear a ankle brace while walking to secure the ankle.
Mild arthritis
An ankle pop without pain or instability can simply be related to a tendon, ligament or other soft tissue structure rubbing over a bone.
Popping of the ankle can be due to arthritis, tendon or potential ligament issues. Recommend having ankle evaluated to make sure that there are no structural problems.
Jonathan M. Kletz, DPM
Jonathan M. Kletz, DPM
Hello. The popping is actually joint fluid forming a bubble that pops when a joint is stretched. There is nothing to worry about. My knees pop all the time and I have no issues.
Dr. Lui
Dr. Lui
Lots of causes. Usually indicates inflammation. But a cause should be found.
Thank you for the question. There are many different reasons that the ankle could pop your need to seek advice from a foot and ankle surgeon who then can evaluate you by X-ray, maybe take an MRI to get the exact answer.
Thank you,
Dr. Gorman
Thank you,
Dr. Gorman
It could be several things from normal to a tendon rubbing against a bone to intra-articular ankle pathology. If it's painful, I would get it checked out.
In my experience, the 'popping' sensation or sound that can happen around a joint is usually a tendon sliding over a bone and clicking. If it is not painful, it is not something to be concerned about. But you might want to consider Orthotics for your shoes to help promote better alignment and function of your foot and ankle so that you are at less risk of injury in the future.
The popping, like "cracking" your knuckles, forces air bubbles in and out of suspension in the joint causing the sound you here. If there is no pain associated with this sound, it's not a problem.
Instability and/ or arthritis
As long as the popping is not painful, it is tendons moving across the surface of the bones. As long as no pain is involved, it is just an annoying noise.
There can be several reasons for the popping you are feeling. I recommend you have the ankle evaluated by a foot and ankle surgeon (podiatrist) to determine if this is problem that needs attention or a normal variation of your anatomy
