Ankle sprains are one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries we see in physical therapy. Whether it happens during sports, a workout, or simply stepping off a curb the wrong way, ankle sprains can be painful, frustrating, and surprisingly limiting.

Understanding which ligaments are most commonly injured can help you recognize the severity of your sprain and understand why proper rehabilitation is so important for long-term ankle health.

What Is an Ankle Sprain?

An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments that support the ankle joint are stretched or torn, usually due to the ankle rolling inward or outward beyond its normal range of motion.

Most ankle sprains occur when the foot rolls inward (inversion injury), damaging the ligaments on the outside of the ankle.

2 Common Ligaments Injured During Ankle Sprains

1. Anterior Talofibular Ligament (ATFL)

The anterior talofibular ligament, or ATFL, is the most commonly injured ligament in ankle sprains.

Why is it injured so often?

• It is the weakest of the lateral ankle ligaments
• It becomes stressed when the foot rolls inward and points downward
• Common in:
  • Basketball
  • Soccer
  • Running
  • Jumping sports
  • Walking on uneven surfaces

Common Symptoms of ATFL Injury

• Pain at the front and outside of the ankle
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Instability or a feeling that the ankle may “give out”
• Pain with walking, cutting, or jumping

2. Calcaneofibular Ligament (CFL)

The calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) is the second most commonly injured ligament in ankle sprains and is often injured along with the ATFL during more severe sprains.

Why does it get injured?

• The CFL stabilizes the ankle when weight is placed on it
• It becomes injured when the ankle rolls inward forcefully, especially during:
  • Landing from a jump
  • Sudden direction changes
  • Stepping on uneven ground

Common Symptoms of CFL Injury

• Pain on the outside of the ankle
• Swelling that extends downward toward the heel
• Pain with walking, running, or balancing
• Ankle instability, especially on uneven surfaces

Why Proper Treatment Matters

Many people assume ankle sprains will “just heal on their own,” but improper rehab can lead to chronic ankle instability, weakness, and repeat sprains.

Without targeted treatment, patients often experience:

• Persistent swelling
• Ongoing pain
• Reduced mobility
• Weakness
• Recurrent sprains
• Early joint degeneration (arthritis)

If you have an ankle sprain that is limiting your daily activities, Respire PT’s physical therapists can help you get back to the life you love. Call Respire Physical Therapy at the Falls Church Location (703-671-1871) or the Annandale Location (571-369-6728) to schedule an appointment with one of our skilled Physical Therapists today! Click here to request an appointment online and we will contact you as soon as possible.

Tags: health blog, physical therapist, movementismedicine, return to sport, pt education, anterior talofibular ligament, arlingtonva, calcaneofibular ligment, alexandriava, sport injury, Physical Therapy, fallschurchva, Respire Physical Therapy, annandaleva, ankle sprain, painfreeliving