Torn ligament in ankle
Torn ankle ligaments explained
If you’ve recently rolled your ankle and it’s swollen, painful and hard to walk on, you could be dealing with a torn ligament in the ankle. This happens more often than you’d think. It’s common in sport, but also occurs from everyday missteps, like missing a kerb or landing awkwardly from a jump.
Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that connect the bones in your ankle. They stabilise the joint and stop it from twisting too far. When a ligament is overstretched or torn, it causes sharp pain, swelling, bruising and often a sense that your ankle feels weak or keeps giving way.
Which torn ankle ligaments are involved?
Most torn ankle ligaments affect the outside of the ankle. These include:
- ATFL (anterior talofibular ligament): Most commonly torn. Often injured in a typical ankle sprain.
- CFL (calcaneofibular ligament): May be damaged at the same time as the ATFL.
- PTFL (posterior talofibular ligament): Rarely involved unless the injury is severe.
In some cases, the ligament on the inner side of the ankle (the deltoid ligament) may be torn. And in high ankle sprains, the ligaments between the two lower leg bones — called the syndesmosis — can be affected.
Torn ligament in ankle diagnosis
Is it an ankle sprain or a full tear?
Not all ligament injuries are the same. They’re usually graded:
- Grade 1: Slight stretch. Mild pain. No instability.
- Grade 2: Partial tear. Moderate swelling and bruising.
- Grade 3: Complete tear. Severe pain. Ankle often feels unstable or loose.
If your ankle keeps giving way, locks, or still feels painful after a few weeks, the ligament might be fully torn and may not heal with rest alone.
Do I need an X-ray for a torn ligament in the ankle?
An X-ray won’t show a torn ligament, but it’s still often the first test ordered; to rule out broken bones.
The most accurate way to diagnose a torn ligament is an MRI. It shows soft tissue clearly, including how much of the ligament is damaged. In some cases, ultrasound can also be used; especially if done by someone experienced in soft tissue imaging.If your symptoms haven’t improved, or the ankle feels unstable, your foot and ankle surgeon might order further imaging to confirm what’s going on and plan treatment.
How long does a torn ligament take to heal?
Healing time depends on the severity of the tear:
- Grade 1: 1 to 2 weeks. Basic rehab, taping or bracing.
- Grade 2: 4 to 6 weeks. May need physiotherapy and support brace.
- Grade 3: 8 to 12 weeks or longer. Surgery may be needed if instability continues.
Rehabilitation is just as important as rest. Physio strengthens the muscles around your ankle and helps retrain your balance, so the same injury doesn’t happen again.
Will I need surgery?
Not everyone with a torn ankle ligament will need surgery. If the ligament is only partially torn, or you’ve had a single injury, non-surgical treatment is usually the first option.
But if the ligament is completely torn, or the ankle remains unstable after rehab, surgery might be the right choice; especially if you’re active or have had repeated sprains.
Surgery involves either direct ligament repair or full ligament reconstruction. This is usually done with absorbable anchors to secure the ligament to the bone. The operation takes around 90 minutes, and most people go home the next day.
When an ankle keeps giving way despite rehab, reconstructing the ligament helps restore strength and stops that frustrating cycle of repeated injuries.
Ankle fracture Perth surgeon
When to see a foot and ankle surgeon in Perth
If your ankle still feels weak or unstable weeks after an injury, or you’re just not sure what’s going on, it’s worth getting a proper assessment. Torn ankle ligaments can heal well with the right treatment; but if left untreated, they can lead to long-term problems like chronic instability or arthritis.
At The Foot & Ankle Centre in Perth, we specialise in diagnosing and treating these injuries. You’re welcome to book an appointment. We try to see new patients promptly.
