The ankle joint plays an essential role in everyday movement. It supports body weight, absorbs impact and allows smooth transitions during walking, running or jumping. Because of its constant use, the ankle is particularly vulnerable to injury.

Ankle injuries occur when one or more of the joint’s supporting structures, such as bones, ligaments, tendons or cartilage, are damaged due to twisting, rolling or direct impact. These injuries can range from mild ligament sprains to severe fractures or dislocations that affect stability and movement.

As such, timely diagnosis and treatment are key to a smooth recovery and to prevent long-term pain, stiffness or instability.

What causes an Ankle Injury?

Ankle injuries typically occur when the joint is forced beyond its normal range of motion, causing ligaments or other tissues to stretch or tear. One of the most common causes is rolling or twisting of the ankle, often when walking on uneven ground, landing awkwardly from a jump or suddenly changing direction during sports. Direct impact from a fall, collision or blow to the ankle can also result in bone fractures or soft tissue injuries.

Beyond that, overuse or repetitive strain similarly contributes to gradual wear and tear of the tendons or cartilage, especially among athletes or individuals who spend long hours on their feet.

What are the symptoms of an Ankle Injury?

The symptoms can vary depending on the type and severity of the injury. However, they often appear immediately after the incident. Many people notice pain, swelling and difficulty bearing weight soon after twisting or rolling the ankle.

This includes:

• Difficulty walking or standing – more common in moderate to severe injuries or when fractures are involved.

• Instability or weakness – the ankle may feel like it is giving way, especially when standing or walking.

• Pain or tenderness – especially around the outer or inner side of the ankle, which worsens with movement or pressure.

• Popping or snapping sound – may occur at the moment of injury, suggesting a ligament tear.

• Reduced range of motion – difficulty flexing, pointing or rotating the ankle due to stiffness and pain.

• Swelling or bruising – appearing soon after injury as a result of tissue inflammation or bleeding beneath the skin.

Who is at risk of an Ankle Injury?

Although ankle injuries can happen to anyone, there are certain factors that increase the likelihood of them occurring. These include physical, lifestyle and environmental factors that place extra strain on the joint.

You may be at higher risk if you have:

• Age-related changes – younger individuals are at risk from sports, while older adults face a higher risk from balance issues and reduced flexibility.

• Gender influences – women, especially those who frequently wear high heels or unstable footwear, may experience more ankle rolling injuries.

• Previous ankle injury – weakened ligaments from past injuries, such as an ankle sprain, can make the joint more unstable and prone to re-injury.

• Poor balance or weak muscles – inadequate lower leg strength reduces joint support and control during movement.

• Uneven surfaces or unsafe footwear – walking or running on irregular terrain or in shoes lacking ankle support increases the risk of twisting injuries.

• Active lifestyle or sports participation – especially in activities that involve jumping, running or sudden direction changes, such as basketball, tennis or football.

• Occupational risks – jobs that involve climbing, lifting or prolonged standing can place repetitive stress on the ankles.

What is the difference between an Ankle Injury and an Ankle Sprain?

While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, ankle injuries encompass a broad range of conditions, whereas an ankle sprain refers specifically to a ligament injury.

Ankle injuries can involve damage to various structures, such as:

• Bones (fractures)
• Tendons (tendonitis or tears)
• Cartilage (osteochondral injuries)
• Joint dislocations

On the other hand, an ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments that support the joint are overstretched or torn, typically from rolling or twisting the foot.

Do Ankle Injuries cause Ankle Instability?

Yes. Repeated ankle injuries, such as sprains or ligament tears, can weaken the stabilising structures around the joint and lead to chronic ankle instability. When these ligaments do not heal properly, the ankle may feel loose or prone to “giving way” during movement. 

Over time, this instability can increase the risk of further sprains, pain and swelling, and may affect balance and performance in daily or sports activities. If you experience ankle instability from recurring ankle injuries, it’s important to seek a proper medical assessment to identify any underlying ligament damage or muscle weakness.

How is an Ankle Injury diagnosed in Singapore?

Diagnosing an ankle injury typically begins with a detailed clinical assessment with Dr James Tan. The process usually includes:

• Medical history – discussing how the injury occurred, the nature of the pain and any previous ankle problems.

• Physical examination – Your doctor will check for swelling, tenderness and bruising while assessing the range of motion and joint stability. This helps identify which structures may be involved.

• Imaging tests – X-rays are typically performed to rule out fractures or bone misalignment. A Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or an ultrasound may also be done to obtain a detailed view of soft tissues, such as ligaments, tendons and cartilage. This helps him to identify tears or inflammation.

How are Ankle Injuries graded?

Ankle injuries are commonly classified into 3 grades based on the severity of ligament damage and associated symptoms. This consists of:

How is an Ankle Injury treated in Singapore?

The treatment for ankle injuries depends on the type and severity of the injury, as well as the patient’s activity level and recovery goals. Most ankle injuries can be treated without surgery, but severe cases may require surgical repair or reconstruction.

Options may include, but are not limited to:

Conservative Treatments

• Medication – non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) help relieve pain and reduce inflammation, promoting comfort during movement or physiotherapy.

• Bracing or support – ankle braces or elastic bandages stabilise the joint, limit excessive movement and prevent further injury during early healing.

• RICE protocol – Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation remains the first-line approach immediately after injury to control pain and swelling.

• Activity modification – avoiding weight-bearing activities and using crutches or supportive footwear can reduce stress on the joint as recovery progresses.

Surgical Treatments

• Arthroscopic surgery – a minimally invasive procedure that allows the surgeon to remove loose fragments, repair damaged ligaments or smooth rough cartilage surfaces.

• Ligament reconstruction – used when the ligaments are significantly torn or stretched, this restores joint stability and reduces the risk of repeated injuries.

• Fracture fixation – if an ankle fracture is present, screws or plates may be required to realign and stabilise the bones for proper healing.

Injection Therapy

For persistent inflammation or slow-healing soft tissue injuries, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or other regenerative injections may be considered. These therapies aim to stimulate tissue repair and promote faster recovery.

Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy

• Balance and proprioception training – helps retrain coordination and reduces the risk of future injuries, especially for athletes or active individuals.

• Manual therapy – techniques such as joint mobilisation or soft tissue release can ease stiffness and enhance recovery.

• Range of motion exercises – gentle, progressive movements prevent stiffness and maintain joint flexibility.

• Strengthening exercises – focused exercises targeting the muscles around the ankle and lower leg improve stability and prevent recurrent sprains.

When should I consult a doctor for an Ankle Injury?

You should see a doctor for an ankle injury if you experience any of the following:

• Persistent pain, swelling or bruising lasting more than a few days
• Inability to bear weight or difficulty walking on the affected foot
• Noticeable deformity or misalignment of the ankle or foot
• A popping or snapping sound at the time of injury (possible ligament tear)
• Numbness, tingling or weakness around the ankle
• Severe swelling or bruising spreading up the leg
• Repeated ankle sprains or ongoing instability despite rest
• Pain that does not improve with home care or RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)

Early assessment helps rule out fractures or ligament tears and prevents long-term complications such as chronic ankle instability.

Book an Appointment

An ankle injury may seem minor at first, but it can easily worsen without proper treatment. Ignoring pain, swelling or instability may lead to long-term joint weakness and recurring sprains. That is why an early assessment is crucial, as it enables an accurate diagnosis and tailored care that promotes full recovery and prevents chronic damage.

If you have recently injured your ankle or are experiencing lingering discomfort when walking or exercising, do not wait for it to heal on its own. Book a consultation with Dr James Tan to discuss your symptoms, receive a detailed evaluation and explore suitable treatment options that will help you return to daily activities safely and confidently.