Here I want to know do you have twisted your ankle or have got fall on it recently and after that the pain and swelling has come or it has come on its own? If you have twisted then it may be ankle sprain or ankle hair line crack. In both cases if ortho doctor is not available I suggest to try to get appointment but till then take digital x- ray of your ankle and here the report will also be clear showing the degenerative changes or hairline crack or anything else it will be mention clearly in report. If there is degenerative changes which is common at your age with multiple fall and twist history then I suggest to use cold pack and take physiotreatment. This will help to reduce swelling and will help to reduce inflammation at ankle. If there is hairljne crack then you need to imobilise with plaster for 10 to 15 days here if orthopedic is not available take help from physiotherapist. And after removal of plaster again physio will help to strenthen the ankle muscle as well can suggest more on what to do for further functional recovery. One more thing i suggest if there is no hair line crack then you can also use crape bandage on your own at uncle level keeping it from bottom to upside this will again help to reduce swelling as well will give stability to your uncle. And keep using cold pack on it to reduce inflammation. To answer your question, painful crunching sound could be because of ankle joint degeneration but can not be conform with out x ray. And physical check on it. Take care.