Sprained Ankle Treatment in Singapore

While most sprained ankles heal with proper home care, certain situations warrant seeking medical treatment. Take a look at some key indicators that it’s time to see a specialist:

Sprained ankles result from ligament injuries within the ankle. These symptoms vary in intensity but commonly include:

• Pain: Immediate and ranges from mild to intense, especially when putting weight on the foot..
• Swelling: Fluid accumulation around the injury, often worsening hours post-injury.
• Bruising: Discoloration due to broken blood vessels around the ankle.
• Tenderness: Sensitivity to touch around the injured area.
• Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty moving the ankle, particularly in certain directions.
• Instability: A sense of wobbliness in severe cases, impacting standing or walking.
• Popping Sensation or Sound: May indicate a complete ligament tear.

If you experience intense pain, swelling that doesn’t subside within a few hours, or any other symptom that concerns you, it’s crucial to seek medical treatment.

Diagnosing a sprained ankle involves a thorough assessment to determine the severity of the injury and rule out any associated complications, and during the diagnostic process, you can expect the following:

• Physical Examination: Your doctor will carefully examine your ankle, foot, and lower leg. During the process, they will gently touch the area around the injury to assess tenderness and pain levels. They will also move your foot in different directions to check your range of motion and identify any positions that cause discomfort.
• Imaging Tests: If your doctor suspects a severe sprain, fracture, or other complications, they may recommend imaging tests such as:
  • X-ray: To rule out fractures or dislocations.
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): To visualise soft tissues, such as ligaments and tendons, in detail.
  • CT Scan: To provide a more detailed view of the bones and joints.
  • Ultrasound: To assess the condition of ligaments and tendons in real time.

Based on the findings from the physical examination and imaging tests, your doctor will classify your sprained ankle into grades (Grade 1, 2, or 3) based on the severity of ligament damage. At the same time, this classification helps determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

When you sprain your ankle, taking immediate steps to manage the injury can significantly impact your recovery. Also, it’s crucial to seek an accurate diagnosis from a healthcare professional to ensure there are no associated fractures or other complications. And if you suspect that your ankle is sprained, the RICE protocol (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) is universally advised for initial self-care treatment:

• Rest: Rest is essential to allow the injured ligaments to heal, so avoid activities that put weight or strain on your ankle. Also, crutches may be necessary if you experience severe pain when bearing weight.
• Ice: Applying ice packs to the injured area helps reduce pain and inflammation. Additionally, use a thin cloth barrier between the ice pack and your skin to prevent ice burns. Also, remember to apply ice for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
• Compression: Compression helps reduce swelling and provide support to the injured ankle. So, use an elastic bandage to wrap the area snugly, but not too tightly, to avoid hindering circulation.
• Elevation: Elevating your ankle above the level of your heart helps reduce swelling by promoting fluid drainage. When taking this approach, prop your ankle up on pillows or a chair while resting.

Also, balance rest with controlled movement to prevent joint stiffness and muscle atrophy. Be mindful of limitations innate to self-care and consult a doctor for persistent or worsening symptoms.

Ankle sprains are graded based on severity and ligament damage. At the same time, these grades determine the appropriate treatment plan for the condition.

Treatment for a sprained ankle varies based on the sprain’s severity:

The recovery time for a sprained ankle varies, influenced by the injury’s severity and the individual’s treatment response. However, it generally takes 2 to 3 months for a sprained ankle to recover. On the other hand, a fractured ankle can take a longer recovery time, depending on whether it underwent surgery or was treated in a cast. Also, the process involves distinct rehabilitation stages, each critical for a full and safe return to daily activities or sports.

While home care is often enough for sprained ankles, see a doctor if you have severe pain or swelling, can’t bear weight, or notice deformity. Numbness, suspected fractures, or worsening symptoms also warrant medical attention.

With professional help from the orthopaedic specialists at OrthofootMD, you can expect reliable diagnosis, rule out serious injuries, and prevent complications like chronic instability. Schedule a consultation today, and let us provide personalised treatment and optimise your recovery.

Dr. Gowreeson Thevendran is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon specialising in minimally invasive treatments for ankle injuries, including sprains. He also focuses on the importance of accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment to achieve optimal recovery and prevent long-term complications. With his training from the UK to Canada, he is experienced in both the operating room and global orthopaedic education.