What is a sprain of the Calcaneofibular
Emma Martin
Published Apr 08, 2026
An inversion sprain results in an injury to the lateral ligaments, one of which is the calcaneofibular ligament (CFL). Most ankle sprains can be managed with a short period of immobilization followed by rehabilitation therapy, but chronic instability is best treated surgically.
How do you treat a Calcaneofibular ligament sprain?
Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) are vital components to a fast recovery. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are appropriate for the presence of pain and swelling. Crutches are also acceptable for a short time after the injury occurs until ambulation is pain free.
Can you walk with a torn CFL?
Grade II sprains involve a partial tear of the calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) and a full tear of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL). This degree of sprain limits the ability to walk, creates instability and causes local bruising and swelling.
How long does it take for the Calcaneofibular ligament to heal?
Conclusions/Recommendations: In the studies that we examined, it took at least 6 weeks to 3 months before ligament healing occurred. However, at 6 weeks to 1 year after injury, a large percentage of participants still had objective mechanical laxity and subjective ankle instability.How is Calcaneofibular ligament injured?
Calcaneofibular ligament injuries typically occur along with an anterior talofibular ligament injury within the scope of a lateral ankle sprain. The typical mechanism is excessive supination of the rearfoot on an externally rotated lower leg, leading to an inversion-internal-rotation type injury 1,2.
Where is the Calcaneofibular ligament?
The calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) is the middle ligament of the lateral collateral ligament complex of the ankle and stabilizes both the ankle and subtalar joints.
What is the function of Calcaneofibular?
The calcaneofibular ligament is an important lateral stabilizing ligament of the ankle. The main function of the ligament is to provide support to the subtalar joint.
Can walking on a sprained ankle make it worse?
Yes. That’s the very short answer. According to the National Association of Athletic Trainers, ankle injuries, including sprains, are very often undertreated. Ignoring treatment, including excessive movement of the ankle through unnecessary walking, leads to a greater risk of worsening the injury.What are the 3 bones that make up the ankle?
- The shin bone (tibia)
- The thinner bone running next to the shin bone (fibula)
- A foot bone that sits above the heel bone (talus)
If the large ankle joints have arthritis, either at the tibiotalar or the subtalar joint, that can cause pain. There are also tendons on the inside and the outside of the ankle, and these can become inflamed and painful. By far, however, the most common cause of an ankle sore after walking is instability.
Article first time published onDo you need surgery for torn ligaments in ankle?
Ankle sprains range from mild to severe and in most cases do not require surgery. Sprains of the midfoot — called a Lisfranc injury — can often be treated successfully with non-surgical techniques as well. But in more serious cases, ligament repair surgery may be recommended.
What does a torn ligament in foot feel like?
Symptoms of a Torn Ligament in the Foot Swelling and bruising will occur at the site of injury. Pain and tenderness are concentrated on the top, bottom or the sides of your foot near the arch. Pain intensifies when walking or during other physical activity. Inability to bear weight on the injured foot.
Can you tear your Calcaneofibular ligament?
These may also occur with ankle fractures as well. The most common and significant ligament tears include tears in the Anterior TaloFibular Ligament (ATFL), CalcaneoFibular Ligament (CFL), and the large Deltoid ligament complex.
Which motion of the foot does the Calcaneofibular ligament resist?
The calcaneofibular ligament crosses both the ankle joint and the subtalar joint. Injury to this ligament does not often occur in isolation, but is usually in conjunction with the anterior talofibular ligament. The calcaneofibular ligament resists varus stresses to the calcaneum in dorsiflexion.
What ligaments make up the Calcaneofibular ligament?
Calcaneofibular ligamentTofibula (lateral malleolus)IdentifiersLatinligamentum calcaneofibulareTA98A03.6.10.011
Is CFL a capsular?
Gross anatomy The CFL is an extracapsular round cord measuring 20-25 mm long x 6-8 mm width. Its origin is distal to the anterior talofibular ligament on the tip of the lateral malleolus and courses posteroinferiorly and medially to insert onto the lateral surface of the calcaneus.
What does Calcaneofibular ligament connect?
The calcaneofibular ligament (CFL), which connects the calcaneus, or heel bone, to the fibula.
Can you use kinesiology tape for sprained ankle?
The use of kinesiology tape for the treatment of a lateral ankle sprain can be extremely effective.
What is an eversion ankle sprain?
Eversion ankle sprains — occurs when the ankle rolls outward and tears the deltoid ligaments. Inversion ankle sprains — occurs when you twist your foot upward and the ankle rolls inward.
Where does a high ankle sprain hurt?
If you’ve experienced a high ankle sprain, you might be able to put weight on your foot and ankle, but you’ll probably have pain above your ankle, between your fibula and tibia. You’ll likely experience more pain when climbing up or down stairs, or engaging in any activities that cause your ankle bones to flex upward.
What is the primary function of the Calcaneofibular ligament quizlet?
What is the primary function of the calcaneofibular ligament? All of the muscles that invert the foot. In order to prevent injury to the Achilles tendon, it is recommended to stretch with both the knee extended and with it flexed 15-30 degrees.
What is plantar Calcaneonavicular?
The plantar calcaneonavicular ligament also referred to as spring ligament is a thick wide band of cartilaginous connective tissue that supports the medial longitudinal arch of the foot, failure in the spring ligament leads to flat foot deformity.
How do you stretch a rolled ankle?
Stand facing a wall with your hands on the wall at about eye level. Put the leg you want to stretch about a step behind your other leg. Keeping your back heel on the floor, bend your front knee until you feel a stretch in the back leg. Hold the stretch for 15 to 30 seconds.
What is the lump on the side of my ankle called?
The most common fracture is to the bony bump on the outside of the ankle, the lateral malleolus. The lateral malleolus is the bottom of the fibula, the smaller lower leg bone. The bump on the inside of your ankle, the medial malleolus, is less commonly fractured.
What are the 7 bones in the ankle called?
The tarsal bones are 7 in number. They are named the calcaneus, talus, cuboid, navicular, and the medial, middle, and lateral cuneiforms.
What is the most common ankle sprain?
The most common type of sprain is an inversion injury, where the foot is rotated inward. Ankle sprains can range from mild, to moderate, and severe.
How should you sleep with a sprained ankle?
Elevating a sprained ankle reduces the accumulation of fluid in the joint. This can ease swelling, which may also help reduce pain. Try sleeping with the foot and ankle propped up on pillows at a level higher than the heart. When sitting or resting, use pillows or a footrest to keep the foot and ankle elevated.
Do sprained ankles ever fully heal?
They can take longer to heal and sometimes require longer than three months to resolve with treatments like splinting, wearing a boot or a walking cast, and physical therapy. With the proper treatment, however, your high ankle sprain can heal completely.
Will a heating pad help a sprained ankle?
After an acute injury, ice should be used to minimize swelling for the first two to three days. After this period, heat can be used to increase blood flow and assist the natural healing process. Applying heat too early may cause additional swelling by increasing blood flow to the injury.
Is walking good for ankle pain?
Walking on a sprained ankle is not advised. After a sprain occurs, it needs time to heal before weight-bearing. Walking or weight bearing too soon may slow healing or cause further damage.
Should I walk with ankle pain?
In general, if your pain is bearable, you should try to walk or bear some weight while using crutches and a protective brace, because these activities promote healing. Some people who have repeated or severe sprains can develop long-term joint pain and weakness.
