Ligaments are tough, ropelike fibers that connect bone to bone and help stabilize joints. When a ligament moves abnormally, you may feel or hear a snap or pop sound. Treatment is usually not needed unless you have pain or other symtpoms..

An injury that causes pain and you hear or feel a snap or pop may be more serious. Pain may be caused by:

• A tear in a ligament.
• A tear in one of the tough, ropelike fibers that connect muscle to bone (tendon).
• A tear or displacement of the protective cushion that lines the joint space (cartilage).
• A broken bone (fracture).
• An injury that pulls or pushes a bone out of its normal relationship to the other bones that make up a joint (dislocation).

Prompt treatment can prevent complications and promote healing.