You’re walking down the street or landing from a jump when—ouch!—your ankle twists awkwardly. Within minutes, swelling and bruising set in, making every step a challenge. Is it just a mild sprain, or could it be something more serious, like a torn ligament?
Ankle ligament injuries are more common than you think, and without proper treatment, they can lead to long-term instability or repeated sprains. If you’re experiencing persistent pain, don’t ignore it—seeking expert care early can make all the difference.
Our specialist at Alps Orthopaedic Centre Singapore provides advanced diagnosis and treatment for ankle sprains and ligament tears, ensuring a smooth recovery. Read on to learn about the different types of ankle sprains, their symptoms, and the best treatment options available.
What Is an Ankle Ligament Injury and How Is It Treated?
An ankle ligament injury, commonly known as an ankle or ligament sprain, occurs when the ligaments (bands of tissue) connecting your foot to the lower leg bones are damaged. This soft tissue injury may involve the ligaments being strained beyond normal or torn due to a sudden twisting motion, often caused by a fall or sports injury.
If you suspect you have sprained your ankle, seek an orthopaedic specialist for prompt treatment in Singapore. This is crucial to prevent long-term damage to your ligaments, which play a vital role in maintaining ankle joint stability, essential for standing and walking.
How Do I Know If I Tore a Ligament in My Ankle?
If you have severely sprained your ankle, you may experience these common ligament tear symptoms:
- Ankle pain with initial swelling, bruising, or tenderness
- A visibly swollen ankle
- Difficulty walking or bearing weight
- A sensation of instability or “giving way”
If you notice any of the above ankle ligament injury signs, immediately consult an orthopaedic specialist who can assess your injury and identify any ligament damage in the ankle through a thorough examination.
Types of Ankle Ligament Injuries
Ankle sprains are often perceived as minor injuries. In reality, there are different types of ligament injuries, and depending on the severity of tissue damage, they can be classified into grades.
Types of Ankle Sprain:
1. Lateral Ankle Sprain (Inversion Sprain)
Of all ankle sprains, roughly 85% fall under this category. A lateral ankle sprain happens when the ankle rolls inward, affecting the outer ligaments of the ankle (lateral ankle ligaments). These ligaments include the following:
- Anterior Talofibular Ligament (ATFL)
- Calcaneofibular Ligament (CFL)
- Posterior Talofibular Ligament (PTFL)
The ATFL usually suffers more prominent damage, as it bears the most weight when the foot is sharply twisted inward.
- Medial Ankle Sprain (Eversion Sprain)
This less common type of sprain typically involves the inner ligaments of the ankle (medial ankle ligament). It occurs less frequently because the joints on the inner side of the ankle tend to be more stable than those on the outer part.
In addition to identifying the type of sprain, doctors evaluate the patient’s condition based on the grades of ankle ligament tears. Using this grading system, specialists can distinguish differences between mild, moderate, and severe ankle ligament injuries.
Types of Ankle Ligament Damage:
| Grade 1 Sprain | The ligaments are stretched or mildly torn, causing mild tenderness, swelling, and stiffness. Patients can usually walk with slight discomfort. |
| Grade 2 Sprain | The ligament damage is more severe but does not involve a complete tear. Walking may still be possible, although it may be painful and accompanied by some instability, swelling, and bruising. |
| Grade 3 Sprain | This involves a complete tear of the ligament, leading to significant pain and loss of ankle stability, making walking impossible. This is often accompanied by severe bruising and swelling. |
A patient who suffered from a Grade 3 tear and never got proper treatment is likely to experience another sprain. To prevent this from happening, make sure you seek the appropriate treatment for your condition.
How Are Ankle Ligament Injuries Diagnosed in Singapore?
For a thorough assessment of your injury, consult an orthopaedic specialist who is well-equipped to make an accurate diagnosis for appropriate treatment.
During the visit, the doctor will first physically examine the patient’s condition, checking for the ankle’s existing range of motion, performing an ankle stability test, and looking for any obvious visible symptoms.
Your specialist will then order suitable imaging tests to diagnose your ankle ligament injury more precisely. These may include an ankle MRI scan, X-rays, or an ultrasound, which can help doctors visualise the internal damage to ligaments and look for possible tears.
Treatment Options for Ankle Ligament Injuries
For mild to moderate sprains, specialists will recommend non-surgical ankle ligament treatments. These may include:
- The RICE Therapy: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation
- Immobilisation: This includes the use of an ankle brace or taping for stability
- Physiotherapy: Sessions will focus on regaining ankle strength and mobility
Ankle sprain recovery may vary for everyone. However, following your specialist’s instructions and attending physiotherapy sessions as recommended will likely contribute to a more optimal healing process.
When is surgery needed for ligament tears?
If a patient suffers a grade 3 tear or does not respond well to non-surgical treatment for ankle injuries, an orthopaedic specialist may recommend surgery for ligament tears.
This is typically reserved for severe cases, and patients will need to assess whether their pain interferes with daily activities and the risk of reinjury if left untreated.
In Singapore, options include an arthroscopy or a ligament reconstruction to tighten or reattach affected ligaments.
At ALPS Orthopaedic Centre, our orthopaedic surgeon offers the above surgeries in an outpatient setting. This means that patients can leave on the same day or, in some cases, after an overnight stay.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Regardless of the treatment option, physiotherapy is highly recommended as part of rehab for ankle injury. These sessions are essential for ankle ligament recovery, helping patients regain strength and mobility in their ankles. Physical therapy is particularly important for those who have undergone surgery or athletes aiming to return to sports.
How long does recovering from an ankle ligament injury take?
Recovery time largely depends on the severity of each patient’s condition. However, a general timeline looks like this:
- Mild (Grade 1): 1 to 2 weeks
- Moderate (Grade 2): 3 to 6 weeks
- Severe (Grade 3): 8 to 12 weeks or more
Here are some tips for faster recovery:
- Carry out the RICE method as soon as you notice sprain symptoms.
- Avoid applying heat to the ankle, as it could exacerbate swelling.
- Avoid alcohol consumption, as it can worsen swelling and hinder healing.
To minimise your risk of reinjury, consider the following:
- Complete your rehabilitation for ankle ligament sprain to ensure you regain full functionality.
- Be sure to warm up and cool down when engaging in physical activities or sports.
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce excess pressure on your ankles.
- Wear proper shoes for the right occasion.
Why Choose Alps Orthopaedic for Ankle Ligament Injuries?
Are you looking for an ankle injury specialist in Singapore? Our team at Alps Orthopaedic Centre is ready to help.
As an experienced senior consultant orthopaedic specialist for ankle injuries, Dr Jerry Chen leads the ALPS orthopaedic team, which is committed to prioritising personalised patient care. With 13 years of experience and over 500 surgeries, Dr Chen has honed his expertise in orthopaedics and sports injuries.
He is also known for adopting comprehensive diagnostic and treatment techniques, such as the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) approach, to optimise patient recovery with minimal downtime and risk. At ALPS Orthopaedic, our team will do our best to help you recover and return to activity as soon as possible.
FAQs About Ankle Ligament Injuries
How long does it take to recover?
The recovery period will vary for each individual and may take a few to several weeks, depending on the patient’s unique condition.
Do all ligament injuries require surgery?
Not all injuries require surgery; it will depend on both the patient’s and doctor’s assessments.
Can an ankle ligament injury heal without surgery?
How much does ankle ligament treatment cost in Singapore?
Treatment costs may vary, but ankle ligament surgeries may range from 8,000 to 12,000 SGD based on MOH’s fee benchmark. Consult our team directly if you need assistance with insurance options.
When to see a doctor for ankle pain?
If you notice persistent swelling, ankle pain, or other symptoms that could indicate a sprain, it’s a good idea to seek medical advice.
Visit ALPS Orthopaedic Centre
If you have symptoms of an ankle sprain, schedule an appointment with an ankle specialist at Alps Orthopaedic Singapore. Our Medical Director and Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr Jerry Chen, will be able to promptly evaluate your condition and provide tailored treatment to help you heal.
