Recurrent Ankle Sprains or Chronic Ankle Instability: When an MRI Scan Is Necessary

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is meant by recurrent ankle sprains or ankle instability?

Recurrent ankle sprains occur when the ankle repeatedly twists or gives way, often during walking, sports, or uneven ground. Chronic ankle instability refers to a persistent sense of looseness, weakness, or lack of control in the ankle following previous injuries.

This is a common problem after inadequately healed ankle sprains.

Why do ankle sprains keep recurring?

Recurrent sprains often result from:

  • Incomplete healing of ankle ligaments
  • Undiagnosed ligament tears
  • Poor joint stability following initial injury
  • Associated tendon or cartilage damage

Without identifying the exact structural problem, rehabilitation alone may not fully restore stability.

Which ligaments are commonly involved?

The most frequently affected ligaments include:

  • Anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL)
  • Calcaneofibular ligament (CFL)
  • Less commonly, the deltoid ligament on the inner ankle

Damage to these ligaments cannot be reliably assessed without advanced imaging.

Why is MRI important for chronic ankle instability?

Core Medical Principles

  • MRI is one of the most accurate imaging modalities currently available.
  • Without accurate imaging, no doctor—regardless of experience—can reliably make a precise diagnosis.
  • Without accurate diagnosis, treatment plans become generic, presumptive, and often fail.
  • Many failed treatments are due to trial-and-error care without imaging.
  • Based on modern medical technology and current standard of care, MRI should be considered when ankle sprains recur or instability persists.
  • MRI is safe and does NOT involve ionising radiation.

MRI allows evaluation of:

  • Ligament integrity
  • Tendon involvement
  • Cartilage damage
  • Bone bruising or joint changes contributing to instability

Why is clinical examination alone insufficient?

Physical tests may suggest instability but cannot:

  • Determine the extent of ligament damage
  • Identify associated internal joint injuries
  • Explain why instability persists despite rehabilitation

Imaging is essential to guide further care.

What happens if chronic ankle instability is not properly assessed?

Without accurate diagnosis:

  • Ankle sprains may continue to recur
  • Confidence in the ankle may decline
  • Long-term joint degeneration may develop
  • Daily activities and sports participation may be affected

MRI helps prevent ongoing injury by clarifying the underlying cause.

Is MRI expensive or difficult to arrange?

Addressing Patient Objections

  • Cost concerns: MRI costs may be partially offset by Medisave or insurance.
  • Delays elsewhere: Many imaging centres require referrals and long waiting times.

These issues often delay appropriate assessment.

Why arrange your ankle MRI at The Pain Relief Clinic?

Clinic Positioning

The Pain Relief Clinic is:

  • Centrally located at 350 Orchard Road, Shaw House
  • A 5-minute walk from Orchard MRT
  • Equipped with convenient parking
  • Located immediately outside ERP

Key advantages:

  • MRI machine on-site
  • Doctor assessment with immediate MRI arrangement
  • No need to:
    • Visit a separate imaging centre
    • Find another doctor just for an MRI referral
  • The doctor has been helping patients with spine and joint-related problems since 2007 (18 years)
  • Focus on non-invasive, technology-powered treatments

MRI targets:

  • Under $1000
  • Arranged within 1 working day

Can insurance or Medisave help cover MRI costs?

Insurance & Cost Information

MRI scans may be covered by:

  • Personal accident insurance
  • Travel insurance
  • Company insurance
  • Company flexi-benefits
  • Hospitalisation plans (policy-dependent)

Medisave limits:

  • Current: $300
  • From 1 January 2026: $600

Medisave can potentially cover more than half of the MRI cost, depending on eligibility.

When should I consider an MRI for recurrent ankle sprains?

MRI should be considered if:

  • Ankle sprains keep recurring
  • The ankle feels unstable or gives way
  • Rehabilitation has not restored confidence or function

MRI helps move care from assumption-based to precision-based decision-making.

For more information or to arrange an MRI scan, contact The Pain Relief Clinic via WhatsApp at +65 9068 9605.

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