Ankle Crepitus
Ankle crepitus is a crunching or grinding sensation experienced in the ankle joint. This is caused by small, loose pieces of cartilage that jam between the bones in a joint. As the cartilage fragments move, they cause soft tissues to rub together, irritating the joint. Ankle crepitus can also happen when the fibrous tissue rubs together in your ankles, and it is not necessarily a sign of a severe joint problem.
When ankle crepitus is accompanied by pain, it can be triggered by injuries to the musculoskeletal tissues. But there are also two chronic causes of ankle crepitus:
- Bone spurs: A bone spur is an abnormal tissue growth on a bone’s end. They rub against joint structures and can cause chronic damage.
- Arthritis: Arthritis affects cartilage, making it hard and brittle. This may make cartilage more vulnerable to wear and tear than usual. Brittle or hard cartilage in arthritis is not as flexible and can make crepitus sounds.
This symptom is more common in older people, especially those who stand up on their feet a lot. However, it can affect anyone, presenting as mild or severe in intensity.