What is a Sprained Ankle?
A sprained ankle, also known as a twisted ankle or a rolled ankle, is an injury to the ligaments in your ankle. You might find that putting weight on your ankle causes pain. Your ankle might also be swollen, bruised or tender to the touch. Conversely, it may also feel numb on occasion. A sprained ankle and a fractured ankle are often confused, but there is a clear difference between both foot injuries.
Sprains are categorised into three degrees. A Grade I sprain is considered the least severe, with small tears occurring in the stretched ankle ligament. Grade II sprains are moderate, involving partial ligament tears, while a Grade III sprain is the most severe with a complete tear of the ligament.
What Causes a Sprained Ankle?
A sprained ankle is caused by the stretching or tearing of the ligaments that connect the bones in the ankle joint. This typically occurs when the ankle joint is forced beyond its normal range of motion due to sudden twisting or turning movements of the foot. This can happen during sports activities that involve jumping, running, or quick changes in direction, or when walking or running on uneven surfaces. A sprain can also occur as a result of falls or collisions that cause the ankle to twist or turn awkwardly.
Who Needs to Visit a Doctor for Sprained Ankles?
If you suspect that you have a sprained ankle, it is important to seek medical attention from a doctor to avoid any long-term complications. While minor sprains can be treated at home, more severe injuries may require medical evaluation and treatment. If you are experiencing severe pain or swelling that does not improve within a few hours after the injury, you should seek medical attention.
There are several factors that can make a sprained ankle worse and prolong the healing process. Ignoring the injury, not giving it time to rest and heal, and continuing to put weight on it or engage in activities that aggravate the injury can make it worse. Hence, you can visit our clinic in Singapore to get your sprained ankle diagnosed and receive timely treatment from our expert doctor.
Sprained Ankle Treatment
A sprained ankle is typically diagnosed through a physical examination. The doctor will assess the extent of the injury by examining the ankle for tenderness, swelling, and bruising. He will also check for any instability or abnormal movement in the ankle joint, which may indicate a severe sprain or a more severe injury.
In some cases, the doctor may recommend imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other potential injuries. X-rays may be used to check for any bone fractures or other structural damage, while an MRI or CT scan may be used to examine the soft tissues in the ankle, such as ligaments and tendons.
Precautions Before Sprained Ankle Treatment
Before treatment, there are some precautions that should be taken to ensure proper healing of your sprained ankle and avoid further injury. It is important to rest the affected ankle and avoid any activities that may aggravate the injury. The ankle should be elevated above the level of the heart to reduce swelling.
Treatment Options for Sprained Ankle
A thorough medical evaluation by our foot and ankle specialist at OrthofootMD in Singapore is one of the ways to determine the condition of your sprained ankle and get the right treatment.
Sprained ankle treatments depend on the severity of the condition. In general, the RICE protocol - rest, ice, compression, and elevation is recommended by the doctor for all types of sprains to reduce pain and swelling.
For mild sprains, rest, and home care may be sufficient. Home remedies and over-the-counter medication might be able to bring the pain down.
For moderate to severe sprains, the doctor may propose immobilisation with a brace, splint, or walking boot to provide stability and prevent further injury. Physical therapy may also be recommended to restore the range of motion, strength, and flexibility of the sprained ankle.
In cases of severe sprains or complete tears of the ligaments, surgery may be necessary to repair the damaged tissue. This is typically only recommended if the injury is severe and other treatment options have been unsuccessful.
Post-Care Steps After Sprained Ankle Treatment
After receiving treatment for a sprained ankle, it is important to take post-care steps to promote healing and prevent further injury. This includes following up with the RICE method, avoiding weight-bearing activities until advised by the doctor, and performing a range of gentle motion exercises to maintain flexibility and prevent stiffness.
Possible Side Effects of Sprained Ankle Treatment
Possible side effects of sprained ankle treatment may vary depending on the specific treatment approach taken. If you have been recommended a cast or brace, you may experience itching, sweating, or discomfort due to the immobilisation of the ankle. If you are on medication for pain or inflammation, you might feel an upset stomach, dizziness, or drowsiness. Surgery for a sprained ankle may also result in complications such as infection, bleeding, or nerve damage. You should discuss potential side effects and risks with your doctor before undergoing treatment for a sprained ankle.
Why Choose OrthofootMD for Sprained Ankle Treatment in Singapore?
If you are seeking treatment for a sprained ankle in Singapore, OrthofootMD has got you covered. Dr Gowreeson is an experienced orthopaedic doctor with expertise in treating sprained ankles using minimally invasive surgical techniques.
OrthofootMD is committed to delivering care and compassion to its patients. Our methodology is rooted in evidence-based orthopaedic practice, integrating various technologies and expertise in orthopaedic surgery. We recognise the individuality of each patient, thus adopting a patient-centric approach that emphasises tailored care and treatments to achieve results to help improve the well-being of each patient.
Dr Gowreeson- Sprained Ankle Doctor
Dr Gowreeson Thevendran is an orthopaedic surgeon at Island Orthopaedic, part of the Healthway Medical Group. He specialises in lower limb orthopaedic conditions and has expertise in minimally invasive surgical techniques for foot & ankle, knee, and hip/thigh conditions. Additionally, he has a particular interest in trauma and fracture surgery for both upper and lower limbs. He received his medical education at the University of Bristol and completed his surgical training in London, UK. He further pursued subspecialty fellowship training in foot & ankle surgery at the University of British Columbia, sports surgery at Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, and complex trauma and deformity correction surgery at Royal Liverpool University Hospital.
Insurance and Medisave Coverage for Sprained Ankle Treatment
OrthofootMD offers various orthopaedic treatments that are covered by insurance plans and Medisave. However, patients are recommended to contact the clinic and verify their eligibility for Medisave claims and the extent of coverage under their insurance plan.
Visit a Sprained Ankle Doctor Today
At OrthofootMD, our orthopaedic surgeon will be able to help you diagnose your ankle condition and provide you with a treatment plan for how to manage your sprained ankle. If you are experiencing severe pain or disability, book an appointment with ankle sprain specialist Dr Gowreeson immediately.
Dr Gowreeson Thevendran
MBChB (Bristol), MRCS.Ed, Dip. Sports Med.Ed, FRCS.Ed ( Trauma & Ortho. ), FAMS (Singapore)
Specialty
- Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery
Languages Spoken
- English, Malay, Tamil
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery, University of Bristol, England
- Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh
- Diplomate Faculty of Sports and Exercise Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh
- Fellow of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore
Awards
- SICOT PIONEER Founders Award 2020
- 2015 European Foot & Ankle Society ‘Best Podium Presentation’ Award
- 2013 Singapore Orthopaedic Association Junior Travelling Fellowship
- 2012 NHG Critical Talent Special Recognition Award
- 1998 Enid Lindt Prize in Clinical Surgery
- 1995 Public Services Department Full Medical scholarship
Frequently Asked Questions About Sprained Ankle Treatment in Singapore
If you leave a sprained ankle untreated, it can lead to various complications. One of the most common complications is chronic pain. If the sprain is not allowed to heal properly, the pain can become chronic and make it difficult to perform daily activities or engage in physical activity. This can also lead to instability in the ankle joint. Hence, it is important to seek proper medical attention from our sports injury doctor in Singapore.
Clinic Location
OrthofootMD@Novena
- Mount Elizabeth Novena
38 Irrawaddy Road #05-42 Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre Singapore 329563
OrthofootMD@Mount Alvernia Hospital
- (Mount Alvernia Hospital)
820 Thomson Road #01-01/02 Mount Alvernia Medical Centre A Singapore 574623
Dr Gowreeson Thevendran is currently an orthopaedic surgeon with Island Orthopaedic, a one-stop care centre for orthopaedic health under Healthway Medical Group. He specialises in treating lower limb orthopaedic conditions, as well as trauma and fracture surgery of both the upper and lower limbs. Prior to establishing his private practice, Dr Gowreeson was Chief of Foot & Ankle Surgery at the Department of Orthopaedics at Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH). Today, he continues to serve the Orthopaedic Department at TTSH as a visiting consultant.