• Snapping behind the outer ankle bone
• Pain on the outside of the ankle
• Swelling
• Ankle weakness
• Feeling of tendon movement
• Ankle instability
• Tenderness behind the ankle
• Difficulty with cutting or pivoting

• Snapping sensation outside the ankle
• Feeling that a tendon moves over the ankle bone
• Sharp pain during ankle movement
• Ankle feels unstable or unreliable
• Pain during running or cutting
• Weakness when pushing the foot outward
• Repeated popping with activity

• Forceful ankle twisting
• Sports involving rapid direction changes
• Skiing injuries
• Ankle sprain
• Sudden contraction of the peroneal muscles
• Damage to the tendon restraint
• Repetitive ankle instability
• Previous lateral ankle injury

• Notice whether snapping occurs behind the outer ankle
• Check whether the ankle feels unstable
• Look for swelling or tenderness
• Notice whether symptoms occur during ankle movement
• Do not repeatedly provoke the snapping
• Do not attempt to push the tendon into place

Educational only — not a medical diagnosis.

1. 1Stop running and sports activity
2. 2Apply wrapped ice
3. 3Support and elevate the ankle
4. 4Avoid movements that produce snapping
5. 5Seek evaluation from a foot and ankle specialist
6. 6Use a boot or brace only as directed
7. 7Do not attempt to relocate the tendon

• Visible deformity
• Inability to bear weight
• Severe pain after trauma
• Cold, pale, or numb foot
• Persistent tendon displacement
• Major ankle weakness
• Rapidly increasing swelling
• Open wound near the ankle

• Immobilization may help some new injuries
• Persistent instability may require surgery
• Follow weight-bearing restrictions
• Complete ankle-strengthening rehabilitation
• Restore balance before returning to sports
• Avoid cutting movements until cleared
• Repeated snapping should be evaluated