An ankle ligament tear, commonly referred to as a sprained ankle, is a more severe version of an ankle sprain. This happens when the ligaments attaching to the bones are overstretched or overexerted, resulting in a tear of the ligaments. These tears are often known as soft tissue injury. The severity of the tear can vary, ranging from a small tear to a full rupture, extreme cases equate to a longer recovery time and persistent, intense pain.

These types of ankle sprains usually occur in sudden collisions, such as car crashes, an abrupt fall, or in high contact sports. Ligament tears are frequently coupled with injuries like ankle fractures and dislocations. The CalcaneoFibular Ligament (CFL), Anterior TaloFibular Ligament (ATFL), and the large Deltoid ligament complex are the most common ligaments torn in the ankle. They are of great importance to the overall stability and condition of the joint; symptoms will vary depending on the severity of the injury.

During the precise moment of an ankle ligament tear, you may hear an audible snapping or popping sound. This is often accompanied by immediate pain and discomfort. Other symptoms that may manifest are bruising, swelling, and weakness in the ankle and foot region. You may also experience numbness in the foot or find it difficult to put weight on the injured ankle. This type of injury often inhibits any motion of the joint, causing difficulty in unaided walking, standing, or other physical activity that the ankle is involved in.

At its core, these symptoms are caused by one or more torn ligaments, which are vital supporting elements of the joint. This means there will be an instability of the joint, resulting in some of these symptoms.

Ligament tears are typically identified with a series of questions about the injury followed by mobility tests which may narrow down the source of the sprain. An MRI may be necessary to fully understand the extent of the injury and to form a proper diagnosis.

Typically, an ankle sprain is treated by immobilizing the injured area, ensuring that it is rested, and that further injury does not occur. A sufficient amount of time must be allowed for the recovery period. This coupled with physical therapy, will usually be sufficient for most to make a full recovery. In cases where the injury, pain, and symptoms persist, reconstructive surgery may be required to replace the dysfunctional ligaments.

Other solutions for minor cases include the R.I.C.E. method. This acronym stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Someone with a torn ankle ligament should employ this method, as it helps with the pain, swelling, and other symptoms of an ankle ligament tear. While it may be less significant in the recovery process for complete tears requiring surgery, it may still be utilized to soothe some symptoms in combination with further treatment.

The recovery time of an ankle ligament tear will vary from case to case and is dependent on the severity of the tear. In general, the injury can be graded on three levels, with each level increasing in recovery time required. A grade 1 sprain is classified by minimal stretching of the ligaments and has no tearing, instability, or difficulty bearing weight. Someone with a 1^st degree tear may experience mild pain and recover in just one to three weeks. Next, a 2^nd degree sprain is recognized as a partial tear in the ankle ligaments, where moderate pain is experienced in addition to some tenderness, swelling, instability, and limited range of motion. They will also experience pain when walking or bearing weight on the injured area. A grade 2 sprain may take between three to six weeks of recovery before becoming fully functional again. Lastly, a grade 3 sprain consists of a fully ruptured or torn ligament, with severe symptoms such as intense pain, swelling bruising, and tenderness. It may cause complete loss in range of motion and the person may not be able to bear any weight on the ankle. Recovery could take up to several months and may require surgical reconstruction.

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