Normal X-rays Don’t Always Mean a Normal Ankle

Ankle X-rays are excellent for detecting fractures, but many ankle problems involve ligaments, tendons, cartilage, or subtle bone injury, which X-rays cannot show. When pain persists, MRI is often the investigation that provides clarity.

Below are the most common situations where patients in Singapore proceed to an ankle MRI despite normal X-ray findings.

1. Ankle Pain That Persists Beyond a Few Weeks

If ankle pain:

• Lasts more than 4–6 weeks

• Does not steadily improve

• Affects walking or daily activity

MRI is commonly used to assess ligament, tendon, or cartilage injury.

2. Ankle Pain After a Sprain That Never Fully Recovered

Even mild sprains can involve:

• Partial ligament tears

• Tendon irritation

• Joint surface injury

MRI helps determine why recovery has stalled.

3. Recurrent Ankle Swelling With Normal X-rays

Swelling without a fracture may point to:

• Joint inflammation

• Cartilage damage

• Tendon irritation

MRI visualises fluid, synovitis, and internal joint pathology.

4. Ankle Instability or “Giving Way”

A feeling that the ankle:

• Buckles

• Feels unreliable on uneven ground

often indicates ligament injury, which MRI can evaluate accurately.

5. Pain After Sports or Sudden Twisting Movements

Sports-related ankle pain commonly involves:

• Ligament tears

• Tendon strain

• Osteochondral (cartilage + bone) injury

MRI helps identify the exact structure involved.

6. Ankle Pain Not Improving Despite Physiotherapy

If physiotherapy:

• Provides only temporary relief

• Does not restore confidence in the ankle

MRI helps explain why progress has plateaued, avoiding prolonged trial-and-error care.

7. Pain That Affects Work, Exercise, or Daily Mobility

When ankle pain:

• Limits standing or walking

• Affects job performance or exercise

MRI is often used to identify structural causes that need targeted management.

8. When Treatment Decisions Depend on Knowing the Exact Cause

MRI is commonly required before:

• Targeted non-invasive treatments

• Specialist referral

• Return-to-sport or activity planning

Clear imaging helps avoid delays, unnecessary procedures, and wasted costs.

How Long Does It Take to Get an Ankle MRI in Singapore?

• Public hospitals:
  Non-urgent outpatient ankle MRI appointments may involve waiting weeks or more, depending on demand.

• Private or clinic-based options:
  MRI scans are usually arranged much faster.

At The Pain Relief Clinic, ankle MRI scans can typically be arranged within one working day, subject to assessment.

How Much Does an Ankle MRI Cost?

• Public hospitals:
  Subsidised and lower out-of-pocket cost, but longer waiting times.

• Private hospitals / imaging centres:
  Higher and often variable pricing.

• The Pain Relief Clinic:

  • Clear upfront pricing, typically under S$1,000 for common outpatient ankle MRI scans

  • Costs explained before proceeding, reducing uncertainty

Do You Need to Travel to Another Location for the MRI?

Many care pathways require:

• Seeing a doctor at one clinic

• Travelling to a separate imaging centre

• Returning later for review

At The Pain Relief Clinic:

• MRI coordination is handled within the same clinic system

• No off-site imaging travel

• Faster review and smoother care flow

Payment Options to Know About

Patients at The Pain Relief Clinic may access:

• Medisave usage (subject to outpatient diagnostic limits)

• Insurance claim support (corporate and personal plans, subject to insurer rules)

• Cashless arrangements where applicable

• Interest-free instalment plans

• Cash and card payments

Quick Comparison

Final Takeaway

Ankle pain with a normal X-ray is extremely common, especially after sprains or sports injuries. MRI often provides the missing clarity needed to recover properly and avoid ongoing instability.

For patients who want:

• Faster answers

• Transparent pricing

• Minimal logistical hassle

• Flexible payment options

The Pain Relief Clinic offers a practical MRI pathway tailored to real-world needs in Singapore.