When you rotate your ankle, does it pop or crackle? There’s no immediate reason to be alarmed if you experience ankle cracking or ankle popping; you’re not alone in this.
A medical term even exists for joint popping. Crepitus is the abnormal popping or crackling of a joint, which may be sometimes uncomfortable or painful. There are two variations of crepitus:
• The movement of two fractured bone fragments against one another is known as bone crepitus.
• Joint crepitus is a condition in which the affected joint is passively moved with one hand while the other hand rests on the joint to feel the crepitus.
Why Does My Ankle Crack Every Time I Rotate It?
Ankle cracking or ankle popping can occur for two primary reasons
• Tendons rubbing over a bone
• Gas being released from the joint
The tendon slipping over the bone is the most frequent cause of a snapping sound in the ankle. This causes the snapping or clicking sound to occur as you rotate your ankle. Alternatively, when the ankle is rotated, nitrogen bubbles in the synovial fluid can burst as a result of the force applied to the joint. This may occur if your muscles are tight or after extended periods of inactivity.
Peroneal Subluxation / Dislocation
Peroneal tendon friction against the joint may cause ankle popping and cracking. Your lower leg is protected from sprains by the peroneal tendons, which also assist in supporting and stabilizing the foot and ankle. The outer portion of the midfoot is where one peroneal tendon attaches, while the inner portion of the arch is where the other peroneal tendon attaches. Both cracking and popping sounds can be caused by either tendon rubbing against the bone if it is injured or slips out of place. This condition is relatively rare and typically affects athletes with severe ankle sprains.
Is It Bad That My Ankles Crack?
The idea that arthritis is a result of joint cracking is a common one. This argument, however, is unsupported by facts. One study on joint cracking concludes that “the evidence for the association of knuckle cracking and osteoarthritis comes mainly from observational studies that have failed to show an association.”
The truth is that popping or cracking in the ankle is not always a bad thing. You should consult a medical professional, though, if pain or swelling develops as a result of your ankle cracking. As advised by Healthline, performing ankle exercises can help strengthen your joints and reduce your risk of sprains and other injuries. Muscles and tendons that support the stability of your lower leg can be strengthened with ankle exercises.
How Do You Get Rid of Cracks in Your Ankles?
Ankle Exercises
The mobility of your ankles can be improved by performing ankle circles to warm up the ankle joints. Ankle circles can be done while sitting or lying down.
How to do this exercise:
1. With your heel raised, support one of your legs on a firm surface.2. Starting at the ankle, rotate your foot in a clockwise direction. Do this 10 times.3. 10 times in the opposite direction, repeat.
4. Continue the exercise with your other ankle by switching legs.