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An injury to the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) is the most common type of lateral ankle sprain. The ATFL connects the talus (ankle bone) to the fibula. Anterior talofibular ligament sprain symptoms include pain or soreness, swelling, difficulty walking, bruising, and stiffness in the joint.
Sprain: First aid. Your ligaments are tough, elastic-like bands that connect bone to bone and hold your joints in place. A sprain is an injury to a ligament caused by tearing of the fibers of the ligament. The ligament can have a partial tear, or it can be completely torn apart. Of all sprains, ankle and knee sprains occur most often. Sprained ligaments often swell rapidly and are painful.