Ankle locking during walking can stem from various underlying issues, but often points to a problem within the ankle joint itself.
Here's a breakdown of potential causes:
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Osteochondral Lesions (OLTs):
- These are injuries to the cartilage and underlying bone in the ankle.
- Traumatic events like ankle sprains are a common cause (affecting around 85% of OLT cases).
- A large OLT can create a "catching" or "locking" sensation, where the ankle freezes up and resists bending. Think of it like a pothole in the road disrupting the smooth roll of your ankle joint.
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Loose Bodies:
- Fragments of cartilage or bone can break off and float freely within the ankle joint.
- These loose bodies can become lodged in the joint, causing sudden locking or catching sensations. This is analogous to a pebble getting stuck in a door hinge.
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Other Potential Causes:
- Scar Tissue: Scar tissue buildup from previous injuries can restrict movement and lead to locking.
- Meniscal Injuries: Though less common in the ankle than in the knee, injuries to the ankle's meniscoid structures (small cartilage-like structures) can cause locking.
- Synovitis: Inflammation of the joint lining (synovium) can cause swelling and stiffness that might feel like locking.
- Ankle Impingement: Bone spurs or soft tissue can get pinched within the ankle joint, causing pain and restricted movement, sometimes described as locking.
What to do if your ankle locks up:
If you experience ankle locking, it's important to consult a doctor or physical therapist. They can properly diagnose the cause of the locking and recommend the appropriate treatment, which might include:
- Rest and immobilization: To reduce inflammation and allow healing.
- Physical therapy: To improve range of motion, strength, and stability.
- Pain medication: To manage pain and inflammation.
- Injections: Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair cartilage damage, remove loose bodies, or address other underlying problems.
