Ankle Sprain Treatment Singapore | Axis Orthopaedic Centre

Q: What should you do when you have an ankle sprain?

The recommended initial treatment is RICE therapy (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) and is effective in relieving pain and swelling in most cases and preventing further injuries to the ankle in the first 24-48 hours.

Q: When should you see an Orthopaedic specialist for your ankle sprain?

1. When your pain is severe and you are unable to put weight on the ankle and walk. 2. If your ankle swelling persists and does not improve with RICE therapy 3. If you have repeated/recurrent ankle sprains with features of an unstable ankle such as it is ‘giving way’ frequently (Chronic ankle instability) 4. If a serious ankle sprain is left untreated, it can potentially lead to chronic ankle pain, instability, and arthritis of the ankle

Q: How will our doctors evaluate you when you see them for ankle sprain?

1. We will obtain details on the mechanism of your injury. 2. We will thoroughly examine the ankle to determine the severity and extent of injury. 3. X-rays will be performed to exclude fractures 4. If your pain has been persistent for 4-6 weeks and you have features of chronic ankle instability such as an ankle that ‘gives way on uneven ground, we may order an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan of the ankle further evaluation. 5. We may provide you with recovery aids such as splints and ankle braces. 6. We may refer you to a physiotherapist in our team, to teach you physical therapy to strengthen the ligaments and muscles around your ankle, restore range of motion, improve balance and proprioception to reduce the risk of further sprains.

Q: When is surgery indicated?

Fortunately, most patients improve with non-surgical ankle treatment. Only a selected group of patients may require surgery and they usually have already attempted non-surgical treatment without satisfactory improvement. Patients who may need ankle sprain surgery in Singapore may have: 1. Chronic ankle instability with multiple and recurrent ankle sprains despite physiotherapy and wearing of splints and braces, and with MRI evidence of ligamentous injury/tears 2. Chronic debilitating ankle pain with locking sensation and MRI evidence of osteochondral injury(cartilage defect) of the talus and loose bodies in the ankle joint

WHAT IS AN ANKLE SPRAIN

Ankle sprain is one of the leading causes of ankle pain in the general population and is particularly common in people active in sports and dancing. Most ankle sprains occur after an accidental twisting inversion of the ankle joint. This may injure or tear the outer ankle ligaments (anterior talofibular ligament and posterior talofibular ligament) leading to pain and swelling around the ankle joint. Fortunately, most patients who sustained ankle sprains recover after a few weeks and can continue their usual activities.

The recommended initial ankle sprain treatment in Singapore is RICE therapy (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) and is effective in relieving pain and swelling in most cases and preventing further injuries to the ankle in the first 24-48 hours.

What are the grades or classifications of an ankle sprain?

What are the symptoms of an ankle sprain?

What are the causes of ankle sprains?

What are the risk factors?

What are the possible complications of an ankle sprain?

How do you prevent yourself from having an ankle sprain?

How long does a sprained ankle take to heal?

What should you do when you have an ankle sprain?

When should you see an Orthopaedic specialist for your ankle sprain?

How will our doctors evaluate you when you see them for ankle sprain?

When is surgery indicated?

What surgeries does Axis Orthopaedic Centre offer for ankle sprains?

Axis Orthopaedic Centre is committed to helping patients regain mobility in their daily routines. To do so, we offer ankle sprain surgery in Singapore, among other conservative ankle treatments, so as to address all kinds of ankle sprains. To find out more, call 9711 8888.

About Dr Seng Chusheng

Orthopaedic Surgery, Sports & Exercise Medicine
MBBS (Singapore), MRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (Orth), FRCS (Edinburgh)

Dr Seng Chusheng is a consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Axis Orthopaedic Centre, specialising in foot and ankle surgery. His expertise includes minimally invasive bunion correction, complex foot and ankle fracture fixation, keyhole ligament reconstruction and cartilage repair. Over the course of his career, he has performed more than a thousand surgeries and manages a broad range of conditions, including general orthopaedic trauma and sport-related knee injuries.

Dr Seng received advanced fellowship training at the Assal Centre in Geneva, Switzerland, focusing on complex deformities, trauma and minimally invasive techniques. Before entering private practice, he served as a consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Singapore General Hospital and continues as a visiting consultant. His dedication to patient care has been recognised with the SingHealth Service With A Heart Award. Actively involved in research and education, Dr Seng regularly presents at local and international conferences and has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, reflecting his commitment to advancing orthopaedic practice.