Recovery time for a complete anterior talofibular ligament tear is typically:

• A. 1-2 weeks
• B. Over 3 months
• C. 2-3 weeks
• D. 6-9 months

Answer: (B)

Healing a complete anterior talofibular ligament tear takes time because ligaments heal slowly and need a balance of protection and progressive loading to regain strength and proprioception. After the injury, the tissue goes through inflammation, repair, and remodeling, a process that spans weeks to months and does not reach full tensile strength quickly. Nonoperative rehab focuses on protecting the ankle early, gradually restoring motion, then rebuilding strength and balance before returning to high-demand activities. In practice, most people recover enough to resume near-full function after more than three months, with many in the 3–6 month range and some taking longer. So the typical recovery is over three months.