Ankle sprains are common, with around 3 million cases each year in the United States. Most sprains occur on the outside of the ankle, but sometimes the inner side is affected as well. This is where the deltoid ligament is found. If the deltoid ligament is injured, you may feel sharp pain on the inside of the ankle, along with swelling and bruising.
ANF Therapy®, also known as Amino Neuro Frequency Therapy, is a frequency-based approach that utilizes wearable devices, ANF Devices, which are applied directly to the skin. These devices are configured with bio-coded frequencies, aiming to support the natural healing mechanisms and promote physiological balance.
This blog post covers what the deltoid ligament is, how it gets strained, common symptoms such as medial ankle instability, treatment options, and tips for preventing long-term ankle problems.
What Is the Deltoid Ligament in the Ankle
The deltoid ligament is the main support on the inside of your ankle (medial ankle). It has a wide, fan-like shape and connects your shin bone (tibia) to three bones in your foot: the talus, calcaneus, and navicular. These bony connections give strength and stability to the inner side of your ankle.
The deltoid ligament has two layers. The superficial layer attaches to the navicular and calcaneus bones, while the deep layer connects firmly to the talus bone and holds it in place.
What the Deltoid Ligament Does for You
The deltoid ligament is one of the strongest ligaments (medial collateral ligament complex) in the ankle. It plays several important roles:
- Keeps the joint in line when you move
- Supports weight-bearing during walking, running, and jumping
- Prevents the foot from rolling outward too far (eversion)
- Controls the talus bone, stopping it from sliding forward or backward
- Maintains stability between the leg and foot, as the talus is the primary link between the two
What are the Symptoms of a Deltoid Ligament Injury
When the deltoid ligament is stretched or torn, symptoms can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms of deltoid ligament injury include:
- The pain is usually felt along the inner ankle bone (medial malleolus) and may spread into the foot.
- The inside of the ankle often becomes puffy and may turn purple or blue after injury.
- Pressing on the inside of the ankle bone is often painful.
- Putting weight on the injured ankle may feel uncomfortable or even impossible in severe cases.
- The ankle may feel like it is “giving way” or rolling inward more easily than before.
- Movement, especially turning the foot outward, can be limited and painful.
- Some people report hearing or feeling a snap at the moment of injury.
How a Deltoid Ligament Sprain Happens
A deltoid ligament sprain occurs when the ankle is forced into movements it cannot handle. This extra stress stretches or tears the strong ligament on the inside of the ankle. Common causes include:
- Landing awkwardly after a jump
- Twisting the ankle during sports such as basketball, football, or gymnastics
- Falling and putting sudden pressure on the ankle
- Stepping on uneven ground or missing a step
- Road traffic accidents with direct ankle impact
- High-energy trauma, such as industrial or workplace injuries
How Common Are Deltoid Ligament Injuries
Deltoid ligament sprains make up less than 15% of isolated ankle ligament injuries. However, they are far more common when fractures or dislocations are present.
Athletes in sports with frequent direction changes, such as soccer, basketball, and gymnastics, have a higher risk. Outside of sports, falls and high-impact trauma are the leading causes.
What are the Risk Factors for Deltoid Ligament Injuries
Injuries to this ligament are less common than sprains on the outside of the ankle, but when they do occur, they are often more severe and take longer to heal. Certain factors make some people more likely to suffer this type of injury:
Trauma
High-impact forces are one of the leading causes of deltoid ligament injuries. Car accidents, falls from a height, or a strong twist of the foot can overload the ligament beyond its strength. These types of injuries often involve multiple ankle structures, which makes them more serious.
Sports activities
Athletes who play football, basketball, and soccer face a greater risk because their sports require quick direction changes, frequent jumping, and sudden stops. Direct contact with another player or landing awkwardly can put high stress on the inside of the ankle.
Foot shape
Flat feet or ankles that naturally roll inward (over-pronation) increase strain on the deltoid ligament with every step. If someone has already experienced ankle injuries or has bone alignment issues, their ankle becomes even more vulnerable.
Joint laxity
Some people are born with looser ligaments, which means their joints are more flexible but less stable. Medical conditions like hypermobility syndromes or Ehlers–Danlos syndrome can make deltoid ligament injuries more likely because the ankle lacks firm support.
Body weight and age
Carrying extra body weight places constant pressure on the ankle joint. Over time, this can wear down the ligaments, making them more prone to tearing. As people age, their ligaments lose elasticity and heal more slowly, making even a simple twist potentially more serious.
Walking without support
Wearing shoes that don’t give enough support, such as high heels, can make your ankle less stable. Walking and running on uneven or slippery ground in these types of shoes increases the chance of your ankle suddenly rolling outward, which puts extra strain on the deltoid ligament
Why a Deltoid Ligament Sprain Matters for You
A damaged deltoid ligament affects the way you move. Even if you are not an athlete, a sprained deltoid ligament can make climbing stairs, walking on slopes, or carrying groceries more difficult.
Over time, ignoring such an injury can even lead to early wear and tear of your ankle joint.
You may experience:
- Ongoing pain and swelling that make it difficult to move comfortably
- Frequent ankle rolling towards the inside increases your chances of more deltoid ligament injuries
- Trouble balancing on one foot, making simple tasks feel shaky
- Greater risk of early ankle arthritis, since the joint becomes less protected
Deltoid Ligament and Medial Ankle Instability
If a deltoid ligament injury is left untreated, you may develop chronic medial ankle instability. Unlike a simple sprain, medial instability changes the mechanics of the entire ankle joint. If this instability continues, you may notice:
- Widening of the ankle joint on the inside, making the ankle feel less steady
- Abnormal movement of the talus bone, which can grind against cartilage and speed up joint damage
- Weakening of nearby tendons and ligaments, since they are forced to take over the stabilizing role of the deltoid ligament
- Stiffness and limited ankle motion, as a result of chronic inflammation
- Changes in walking pattern can place extra strain on your lower back and lower limbs.
How to treat the deltoid ligament with ANF Therapy®?
When it comes to recovering from a deltoid ligament sprain, most people are familiar with treatments like rest, physiotherapy, and supportive bracing. In addition to these conventional approaches, ANF practitioners also advise Amino Neuro Frequency (ANF) Therapy® for faster recovery. ANF Therapy® involves the use of small discs placed on the skin, with the intention of working through the body’s nervous system pathways. In the context of a deltoid ligament injury, the discs are typically applied around the ankle or in related areas, and they are used in conjunction with standard medical care.
Outcomes:
ANF Therapy® is a non-invasive, chemical-free approach. It uses small carbonised metal devices that are applied to the skin. In a real-world study involving 1,054 patients across 45 countries, pain levels decreased significantly, from 7.6 to 3.1 out of 10 with ANF Therapy®. Common pain areas included the lower back, knee, neck, and shoulder. Patients also showed reduced swelling and improved range of motion. Satisfaction was high (92/100), and side effects, such as dry mouth, headache, and fatigue, were mild and short-term, reported by 42% of patients. The results are promising, but should be interpreted with caution.
Start your journey with ANF Therapy®:
ANF Therapy® is the newest treatment for managing all kinds of musculoskeletal injuries, including deltoid ligament injury. If you are experiencing severe pain on the inner side of the ankle, consult an ANF Practitioner or find an ANF Therapist at https://www.anftherapy.com/find-clinic/ to discuss how ANF Therapy® can help you.
If you’re a healthcare practitioner and want to enhance your clinical skills with frequency medicine, learn more about the ANF Therapy® and ANF Clinical education program by visiting www.anfacademy.com.
How to Reduce the Risk of a Deltoid Ligament Sprain
Deltoid ligament sprains can be painful and long-lasting, but there are ways to lower your risk.
Muscle strength
The tibialis posterior and calf muscles are especially important for keeping the ankle from collapsing inward. Exercises such as resistance band work, calf raises, and ankle curls can reduce the strain on the deltoid ligament.
Balance training
Many sprains happen when the ankle twists on uneven ground. Balance drills such as single-leg stands, heel-to-toe walking, and wobble board practice improve coordination. This helps your ankle react quickly and avoid injury.
Supportive footwear
Shoes with good cushioning and firm ankle support keep the joint aligned and stable. Wearing footwear designed for your sport or daily activity reduces the risk of rolling your ankle.
External support
If you have had a sprain before, your ankle may already be weaker. Braces or athletic tape provide extra orthotic protection during activity until you regain your ankle strength.
Warm-up routines
Cold muscles and stiff joints are more susceptible to injury. Gentle stretching, light jogging, or mobility exercises before activity prepare your ankle for movement. Increasing training step by step helps avoid sudden overload.
