What are the reasons my ankle makes noise when I walk?

Popping felt in joints while walking, especially the ankles is a very common phenomenon that people consult the doctors at Gallatin Valley Chiropractic about. There can be a few different reasons why your ankles are being noisy, most times it is not a cause for concern. If the popping is accompanied by pain, swelling or immobility it may be a good time for a consultation.

Listed are some of the more common reasons why ankles pop while walking.

Cavitation: 

Between each joint there is a gas bubble that is filled with nitrogen that can be released with motion and a change in pressure. This is the same sound you will feel and hear with a chiropractic adjustment.

Tight ligaments/ tendons: 

Very common for individuals with multiple sprained ankles. Damaged tendons or ligaments will often form scar tissue and increase in tonicity over time. Therefor with movement, these tissues will cause a snapping or popping as they move over surrounding bones. A common example of this is a sprained anterior tibiofibular ligament. This particular ligament is in the front of the ankle, and when tight or fibrotic can cause a snapping sensation with ankle rolling as it tries to cross over what is called the talus bone. 

Normal Motion:

A joint can be described as a point where two bony structures meet. With everyday motion it is not common for joints to make noise here and there. With any motion these joints have to move and glide, which can sometimes cause cavitations or grinding.

As mentioned earlier, if the popping or snapping is accompanied with pain, swelling, or a decrease in mobility, there may be an underlying issue. Possible underlying conditions would include

• Sprain or strain to tendon or ligament
• Osteoarthritis
• Scar tissue build up
• Immobile joints

 If this is you, schedule a consultation with a health care professional. The doctors at Gallatin Valley Chiropractic are extensively trained in orthopedic evaluation and treatment. 

Therefor, noisy ankles with movement such as walking, running or exercising, that is not accompanied by pain, dysfunction or swelling, is most often completely normal and not a cause for concern. There are exercises on virtual platforms such as YouTube that can help improve mobility and decrease any sound you may hear in the ankles, or your doctors at Gallatin Valley Chiropractic would be happy to prescribe great exercises to try at home! 

Call us: 406-551-2177

Schedule online at: Gallatinvalleychiropractic.com