Ankle Sprain 踝扭伤

Ankle sprains are common musculoskeletal injuries that involve overstretching or tearing of the ligaments surrounding the ankle joint. They frequently occur during sports, sudden twists, slips, or falls. While mild sprains may heal within days, untreated or severe sprains can lead to chronic instability, recurrent injury, or long-term joint degeneration.

At Jin TCM Clinic, we integrate Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principles with modern medical assessment, manual therapy, and TCM rehabilitation to relieve pain, restore function, and prevent recurrence.

From a modern medical perspective:

• Ligament injury: Stretching or tearing of the lateral ligaments (most commonly the anterior talofibular ligament).
• Joint instability: Damaged ligaments can reduce ankle stability, increasing risk of re-injury.
• Swelling and inflammation: Accumulation of fluid and immune response to tissue damage causes pain and stiffness.
• Muscle imbalance: Compensatory changes in surrounding muscles can affect gait and balance.
  

From a TCM viewpoint:
Ankle sprains are typically seen as Qi and Blood stagnation, often combined with Wind-Cold-Damp invasion, causing pain, swelling, bruising, and limited mobility. Chronic or recurrent sprains may indicate Kidney or Liver deficiency, reflecting weak tendons and ligaments.

• Pain, tenderness, and swelling around the ankle
• Bruising or redness in more severe cases
• Limited range of motion and difficulty bearing weight
• Instability or a feeling of the ankle “giving way”
• Chronic cases: weakness, stiffness, and recurrent sprains

At Jin TCM Clinic, we take a comprehensive approach to assess ankle sprains:

• Physical Examination: Evaluation of swelling, tenderness, ligament integrity, joint stability, and gait.
• TCM Pattern Differentiation: Identifying whether the injury stems from Wind-Cold-Damp, Qi and Blood stagnation, or underlying organ deficiency.
• Medical Evaluation: Review of X-rays or MRI (if available) to rule out fractures or severe ligament tears. 

This combined assessment ensures both structural and energetic factors are addressed in treatment.

Our manual therapy combines TCM Tuina techniques with modern soft-tissue methods.

Components:

• Myofascial Release & Soft Tissue Mobilisation: Loosens tight muscles and fascia around the ankle and calf.
• Ligament and Tendon Support: Gentle mobilization to restore alignment and encourage proper healing.
• Acupoint / Tension Release: Targets points along the ankle, leg, and meridians to reduce pain and swelling. 

Benefits:

• Relieves pain and swelling
• Restores joint mobility and muscle function
• Enhances circulation to accelerate healing

Performed by trained TCM orthopaedic physicians, bone setting focuses on safe realignment when ankle joint malposition occurs.

Purpose:

• Correct subtle joint misalignment from the injury
• Reduce pressure on surrounding tissues
• Prevent compensatory gait patterns and long-term instability 

Bone setting is always preceded by soft-tissue release to ensure safety and comfort.

Cupping stimulates local blood circulation, reduce swelling, and relieve tension in the ankle and lower leg.

Purpose:

• Promote Qi and Blood circulation to the injured area
• Reduce inflammation and edema
• Facilitate faster tissue recovery

Techniques Used:

• Stationary cupping on the calf and ankle to reduce swelling
• Sliding cupping to release tight fascia and enhance ligament healing

Acupuncture points along the ankle, leg, and meridians are used to:

• Reduce pain and inflammation
• Improve local circulation
• Strengthen ligaments and tendons

Electro-acupuncture provides gentle stimulation to accelerate healing and restore joint function.

TCM herbal formulas can support recovery by:

• Reducing inflammation and swelling
• Promoting tendon and ligament healing
• Improving overall energy and circulation

Common herbs include Du Huo, Xu Duan, Sang Ji Sheng, Hong Hua, and Dang Gui tailored to each patient’s condition.

After the acute phase, rehabilitation focuses on restoring strength, stability, and preventing recurrence:

• Gentle ankle mobilization and strengthening exercises
• Balance and proprioception training
• Proper footwear and taping guidance
• Lifestyle and posture advice to reduce re-injury risk

During the first visit, our physicians perform a thorough assessment, including physical exam and TCM pattern differentiation. A personalized treatment plan is designed, combining manual therapy, acupuncture, bone setting, cupping, or herbal medicine.

Most patients notice reduced pain, swelling, and improved mobility within the first 1–2 sessions, especially for mild to moderate sprains. Chronic or severe cases may require additional sessions for full recovery, joint stability, and functional restoration.

Treatment plans are tailored — there are no fixed packages, as recovery depends on injury severity, individual healing speed, and response to treatment.

Seek immediate Western medical evaluation if you experience:

• Severe deformity or suspected fracture
• Numbness or loss of sensation in the foot

• MOH-registered bilingual physicians with expertise in TCM orthopaedics and musculoskeletal injuries
• Integration of modern diagnostics, acupuncture, manual therapy, and bone setting
• Evidence-informed, non-surgical approach for ankle sprains
• Focus on both symptom relief and long-term joint health

If you are experiencing ankle pain, swelling, or instability after an injury, schedule a consultation with our physicians. We will assess your condition comprehensively and design a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

JIN TCM Clinic 精诚中医诊所 @ Ubi (+65 8896 9398)
JIN TCM Clinic 精诚中医诊所 @ Aljunied (+65 8896 3210)