Which ligament helps prevent excessive inversion of the ankle?

The ligament that helps prevent excessive inversion of the ankle is the calcaneofibular ligament. This ligament is part of the lateral ligament complex of the ankle and plays a crucial role in stabilizing the ankle joint, particularly during movements that involve inversion, where the foot turns inward toward the midline of the body.

When the foot inverts excessively, it can lead to injury such as a sprained ankle. The calcaneofibular ligament's primary function is to limit this motion and provide support, especially when the foot is in a plantarflexed position.

In contrast, the anterior talofibular ligament, while also contributing to lateral ankle stability, is more involved in resisting inversion when the foot is dorsiflexed rather than preventing excessive inversion on its own. The deltoid ligament, located on the medial side of the ankle, primarily guards against excessive eversion, while the posterior talofibular ligament plays a minor role in ankle stability, primarily providing support in cases of extreme ankle motion rather than during routine inversion movements.