A common cause of foot pain related to ankle injuries is which ligament?

• A. Morton's neuroma.
• B. Torn talofibular ligament.
• C. Achilles tendon rupture.
• D. Posterior tibial tendonitis.

Answer: (B)

Inversion ankle sprains most often damage the lateral ligaments, and the anterior talofibular ligament is the one most commonly torn. This ligament connects the fibula to the front of the talus and bears the brunt when the foot twists inward, especially in plantarflexion. A tear here explains the typical anterolateral ankle pain, swelling, and tenderness after an ankle sprain, and clinical tests like the anterior drawer or talar tilt are often positive for ATFL injury.

Morton's neuroma is a forefoot nerve issue that causes pain between toes, not from an ankle ligament tear. Achilles tendon rupture involves the tendon behind the ankle and presents with difficulty or inability to push off, not the common lateral ankle pain. Posterior tibial tendonitis causes medial foot/arch pain from overuse, not the acute lateral ankle ligament injury pattern. Thus tearing the talofibular ligament best accounts for the common foot pain linked to ankle injuries.