Ankle Conditions

Image of Ankle Injury
The Ankle: Vital But Prone to Injury
The ankle may be compact, but it plays a crucial role in stability and movement. As the joint that bears body weight and enables a wide range of motion—from walking, running to jumping, it is especially vulnerable to injuries. If you are struggling with persistent ankle pain, speak with our ankle specialist to get back to the activities you enjoy with strength and ease.
Common Ankle Injuries We Treat
Ankle injuries involve damage to the ligaments, tendons and bones surrounding the ankle, usually arising from high-impact activities, overuse or degeneration. They can range from acute injuries such as sprains and fractures to chronic conditions like ankle instability and arthritis, all of which can significantly impact movement and quality of life.
Acute Ankle Injuries
Ankle sprains

Ankle sprains occur when the ligament supporting the ankle joint and bones stretches beyond its limit and tears, often due to accidental twisting, falls or awkward landing. Pain, swelling and tenderness can be felt at the affected ankle, along with bruising and a limited range of motion.

Without treatment, ankle sprains can potentially lead to chronic ankle pain, instability and even irreversible joint arthritis.

Ankle fractures

Ankle fractures involve a break in one or more of the bones that make up the ankle joint, caused by a direct impact to the ankle joint as a result of a fall, accident or contact during sports.

From simple breaks to complex fractures, symptoms can include ankle pain, swelling, difficulty walking or bearing weight, and in severe cases, visible deformity in the ankle.

Ankle dislocations

A severe injury where one or more bones of the ankle joint move out of place, usually as a result of trauma. A dislocated ankle usually presents with sudden intense pain, swelling, soreness to touch, inability to bear weight and a noticeable deformity on the affected joint.

Achilles tendonitis

This refers to the inflammation of the Achilles tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, often associated with repetitive stress and overuse. It can cause heel pain and swelling at the back of the heel; without proper treatment, this can lead to a higher risk of tendon rupture.

Achilles tendon rupture

A condition in which the Achilles tendon is overly stretched, resulting in the partial or complete tearing of the tendon which can cause sharp pain and a popping sound at the back of the ankle.

Tearing of the Achilles tendon often stems from athletic activities that involve forceful jumping, sudden changes in direction or a fall.

Ankle injuries may strike unexpectedly, but with prompt treatment, you can be assured of a safer and faster return to activity.
Call us at 9898 7781 to schedule an appointment today.
Chronic Ankle Conditions
Ankle cartilage injuries

This refers to the damage or wearing down of the protective cartilage in the ankle joint, commonly caused by traumatic injuries, repetitive stress or degenerative conditions, resulting in pain, stiffness, decreased range of motion, and where left untreated, can lead to the early onset of ankle arthritis.

Achilles tendinopathy

This is an overuse injury that develops from repeated stress on the tendon, and can affect people of all activity levels and athletes, especially dancers. It is characterised by pain and swelling in the Achilles tendon that tends to worsen with movement.

Ankle impingement

Common among athletes in sports like dancing, football and basketball, ankle impingement is the painful pinching of soft tissue or bone at the front (anterior) or back (posterior) of the ankle, often due to repetitive ankle joint motions or previous ankle injuries.

Anterior ankle impingement involves pain at the front of the ankle, usually during upward foot movement, while posterior ankle impingement involves pain at the back of the ankle with downward foot movement.

Ankle instability

A condition that often arises from recurrent ankle sprains, which can lead to a weakened and unstable ankle joint. Symptoms include persistent discomfort, swelling, and a feeling of looseness or instability in the ankle joint.

Ankle arthritis

A degenerative condition where the cartilage in the ankle joint is damaged or worn out, causing pain, swelling, difficulty walking and a limited range of motion. This can manifest in various types, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and post-traumatic arthritis, which may be attributed to age-related wear and tear, autoimmune diseases or previous ankle injuries.

No matter the severity—acute or chronic—our ankle treatment clinic is equipped to provide the most effective care possible to help get you back in motion.
Meet Our Ankle Specialist
Portrait of Dr Kevin Koo Oon ThienDr Kevin Koo Oon Thien
Director and Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
MBBS (S'pore), DFD (CAW), MRCS (Edin), MMed (Ortho), FRCSEd (Orth), FAMS

Dr Kevin Koo is an accomplished foot and ankle surgeon who has over two decades of experience in the field of orthopaedic surgery with a strong focus on foot and ankle surgery.

A former Director of Foot and Ankle Service and Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Singapore General Hospital, Dr Koo has earned him recognition both locally and abroad, where he presented extensively at numerous orthopaedic conferences, including the prestigious American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).

With firsthand experience treating elite athletes and professional dancers during his fellowship in United Kingdom, Dr Koo deeply understands the complexities of ankle injuries and delivers specialised care for effective and lasting recovery.

Take The First Step Towards Pain-Free Movement

We look forward to helping you restore optimal comfort and mobility in your foot and ankle.

For appointment or further assistance, contact us at 98987781 or fill in the enquiry form below and we will be in touch with you soonest possible.

Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, 3 Mount Elizabeth, #14-15, Singapore 228510
Mon - Fri : 8:30am to 5:30pm
Sat, Sun & PH : Closed
Tel. : +65 6970 5905
Fax : +65 6970 5906
Mobile : +65 9898 7781
Email : hello@bjc.sg, drkevinkoo@bjc.sg