07/01/2020
There are three main ligaments that make up the lateral ligaments of the ankle. The front Anterior Talo-Fibular Ligament (ATFL) that attaches to the talus (rear foot bone) and fibular (small shin bone), the side Calcaneo-Fibular Ligament (CFL) that attaches to the calcaneus (heel bone) and fibula and the back Posterior Talo-Fibular Ligament (PTFL) that attaches to the Talus and Fibular. The most common ankle sprains involve only the ATFL and in some more severe sprains the CFL as well. The role of these lateral ligaments is to provide ankle stability by preventing unwanted movement of the ankle especially rolling in movements. Lateral ligament tears occur when physical demands placed on the ligament or ligaments exceed that of their structural capabilities. The ligament fibres are torn from this physical stress resulting in pain, swelling and bleeding.
The common anterior talo-fibular ligament sprain can be classified into 3 categories:
GRADE 1: Small number of ligament fibres are torn with localised pain and swelling however stability of the joint is not compromised.
GRADE 2: Significant number of ligament fibres are torn with localised pain and swelling and some comprise to joint stability. CFL is usually sprained as well.
GRADE 3: Complete tear of the ligament reflecting significant compromise to joint stability ie joint instability. They can be painful or pain free pending the type of tear and the ligament itself. The CFL is almost always sprained as well. It is possible for avulsion fractures (small pieced of bone torn from ligament attachment site) to be present.
We can determine the grade or severity of your ligament sprain.
See us today in Devonshire Square Physiotherapy, London, EC2M 4WY (near Liverpool Street Station)