Question
I played basketball from 5th grade until my senior year in high school.  I was
very athletic and throught the years I either sprained or fractured my ankle
constantly.  There was times when I didn't completely let my ankle heal.  Now
I'm 23 years old and I feel like I constantly need to pop my ankle for relief.  
Most of the times I can pop it by just rotating my ankle and other times my
ankle is in such discomfort that I have to grab my ankle and pull on it to
relieve the pain.  This "popping" has been ongoing for the past three months
and before it started I had severe pain in my ankle for years.  Now the pain
isn't as bad as before, but it is a lot of popping.  My ankle problem has been
ongoing since I was in grade school.  What should I do?

Answer
Hi Diana,

It sounds as if you have a lot of pressure from poor biomechanics that have developed over the years.

The crepitus that gives temporary relief, released that pressure for a short time.  It's called cavitating a diarthrodial joint.

While it may not do any harm, I have to suggest professional evaluation.  Often a program of thorough manipulation combined with therapies and exercise ideas at home and possibly orthotics can stabilize this situation.

The concern is that letting this progress on its own will lead to degenerative arthritic changes.  If it can be stopped it's worth investigating.

Good stretching can minimize some of this trouble as well.  Support when you do athletics (or even walking!) can also help.

Wish I could tell you more.