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What Causes Crackling Noises Coming From Ankle?

Posted on Mon, 23 Feb 2015

Question: Hi,

I have been noticing crackling noise from my right ankle very frequently.I often hear clicking or crackling noise when I walk or move the ankle.I however am not experiencing pain during the same.I occasionally observe some pain in ankle while crackling which is of 1 out of 10 scale.Is this behaviour normal? If no, what treatment should I undergo?

Answered by Dr. Saurabh Gupta (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You don't need to worry if there is no associated joint pain.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for your query.

As you describe the symptoms as painless loud crunching noise, I do not think we have any reasons to worry.

Sometimes as a normal phenomena, fluid (synovial fluid) that lubricate the joint release bubbles which pop and crackle with movement. This occurs very commonly after a period of inactivity or during certain movements. I am not sure if this is what you have, but this is my most likely explanation to your symptoms.

You don't need to worry if there is no associated joint pain; but you have to do some conditioning exercises to improve the overall integrity of the joint - stronger muscle will take the weight of the joint and help to reduce the pressure on articulating surfaces, thus preventing any damage to the joint.

I do hope that you have found something helpful and I will be glad to answer any further query.

Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Saurabh Gupta (7 minutes later)

Hi,

Thank you for the reply.I currently don't have any pain while walking but noise is always there.I weight 78 kgs and my height is 5'9.I think I am in over weight category and do you think it might be the reason I am experiencing this phenomenon ?
What exercises would you recommend in order to improve the crackling noise ?

Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Saurabh Gupta (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Ankle strengthening exercises.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

You are right. Overweight puts extra pressure and this might be the reason of experiencing this phenomenon. I would advise you to do ankle strengthening exercises.

Hope this discussion was helpful.
Please close the discussion, if you do not have any other queries. I would appreciate your reviews about this service.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar