Today's Instagram post was a video from Seattle Science Foundation that looked at the three primary ligaments that stabilize the lateral aspect of the ankle joint, which include: the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL), calcaneofibular ligament (CFL), and posterior talofibular ligament (PTFL).
Together, these structures resist excessive inversion and internal rotation of the talus, particularly during weight-bearing and rapid changes in direction.
In an inversion ankle sprain, the ATFL is most commonly injured first due to its orientation and role in stabilizing the ankle in plantarflexion, followed by the CFL with more severe forces. Understanding this ligamentous anatomy helps guide rehabilitation, emphasizing progressive loading, proprioception, and restoring control through ranges where these ligaments are most stressed.
If you have suffered an ankle sprain or are working with someone who has, I would recommend following the ankle sprain program here in the membership. Here is a link for that program: