Differential Diagnosis for Left Ankle Clicking
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Ankle impingement syndrome: This condition is characterized by pain and clicking in the ankle due to the impingement of soft tissue between the bones, often as a result of an injury. The chronic nature of the symptoms following an injury makes this a highly plausible diagnosis.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Peroneal tendon subluxation: This condition involves the peroneal tendons slipping out of their normal position, which can cause clicking or snapping sounds. Given the history of an injury, this could be a likely cause if the injury affected the peroneal tendons.
- Osteochondral lesion of the talus: An injury to the ankle can cause a piece of cartilage and bone to become damaged or loose, leading to clicking sounds as the fragment moves. This condition is a common sequela of ankle injuries.
- Ankle synovitis: Inflammation of the synovial lining of the ankle joint can cause clicking or snapping due to the formation of synovial folds or rice bodies. This could be a result of chronic inflammation following an injury.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Osteosarcoma or other bone tumors: Although rare, bone tumors could cause abnormal sounds due to the destruction of bone and the formation of pathological fractures. Missing this diagnosis could have severe consequences.
- Infection (septic arthritis): An infection within the ankle joint could cause a variety of symptoms including pain, swelling, and potentially abnormal sounds due to the destruction of joint structures. This is a medical emergency.
- Nerve entrapment: Entrapment of nerves around the ankle, such as the peroneal nerve, could cause a variety of symptoms including pain, weakness, and potentially clicking sounds if the nerve is irritated or damaged.
Rare Diagnoses
- Accessory ossicles: Extra bones in the foot or ankle can cause clicking sounds as they move. While not directly related to an injury, if an accessory ossicle was present and became symptomatic after an injury, it could be considered.
- Tarsal coalition: An abnormal connection between two of the bones in the foot can cause limited motion and potentially clicking sounds. This condition might become symptomatic after an injury that alters the mechanics of the foot or ankle.