The fibula is in the centre of the lateral ankle. anterior to the lateral malleolus is the anterior talofibular ligament and the lateral gutter of the ankle. Pain here is usually related to previous trauma or to arthritis.

Below and anterior to the malleolus is the anterior calcaneum and the calcaneocuboid joint. Both of these may cause pain after trauma. Localised arthritis or stress injuries can affect the calcaneocuboid joint.

Below and slightly behind the malleolus is the subtalar joint. This can be affected by localised arthritis, and may be the cause of obscure pain/instability symptoms after injury. Subtalar joint pain can also be a feature of tarsal coalition.

The peroneal tendons run immediately posterior to the malleolus and obliquely across the hindfoot. Pain from the peroneal tendons is usually described as being in the ankle or the heel, and you may have to ask direct questions to establish the tendons as the source of the problem. Peroneus brevis is more commonly abnormal. There is a strong association with lateral ankle ligament injuries. Ask whether the tendon seems to come out of place - this can be due to actual tendon instability or to a longitudinal tear in the tendon.