An ankle ligament tear happens when one or more ligaments that support the ankle joint are overstretched or torn, usually due to a sudden twist, fall, or sports injury. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that keep the ankle stable, so when they’re damaged, pain and instability can follow.
The seriousness depends on the grade of the tear.
- Mild tears (Grade 1) cause slight pain and swelling.
- Partial tears (Grade 2) lead to noticeable swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking.
- Complete tears (Grade 3) can cause severe pain, instability, and sometimes require surgery.
With proper diagnosis and treatment, most ankle ligament tears heal well. Ignoring the injury can lead to chronic ankle instability and repeated sprains.