How to Choose the Best Place to Get an MRI Quickly and at the Lowest Price in Singapore

Uncategorized | 2026 Jan

Look for Fast Appointment Scheduling

Speed matters if you want quick answers and treatment. Public hospitals often have long wait times. The best choice is a clinic offering same-day or next-working-day MRI appointments, allowing you to start treatment sooner.


2. Compare Consultation and MRI Costs

MRI scans vary widely in Singapore. Private specialist consultations before and after an MRI can add hundreds of dollars to your total bill.

At the Pain Relief Clinic, you can get:

  • Consultation: $50

  • MRI scan: $950

This is much more affordable and transparent compared to the traditional specialist-first route.


3. Claim Medisave for MRI – Up to $600

A major advantage is that most MRI scans at the Pain Relief Clinic are Medisave-claimable. Patients can typically claim up to $600, covering more than half the cost of the scan.

Example:

  • MRI cost: $950

  • Medisave claim: $600

  • Out-of-pocket cost: ~$350

This significantly reduces financial burden while maintaining fast, high-quality imaging.


4. Coverage for Major Body Parts

The Pain Relief Clinic performs MRI scans for:

  • Knee – ligament, meniscus, cartilage, bursitis

  • Neck – disc herniation, nerve compression, spinal stenosis

  • Back – lumbar/thoracic spine for sciatica or chronic pain

  • Shoulder – rotator cuff tears, labral injuries, arthritis

  • Ankle – ligament sprains, tendon injuries, joint instability

  • Foot – plantar fascia issues, tendon injuries, fractures

  • Elbow – tendonitis, ligament injuries, nerve compression

  • Hand – ligament/tendon injuries, arthritis, nerve issues

  • Hip – labral tears, bursitis, early osteoarthritis


5. Specialist Radiologist Reporting Included

Every scan comes with expert radiologist interpretation, ensuring accurate results and eliminating additional reporting fees.


6. Integrated and Coordinated Care

Beyond imaging, the clinic provides results review, treatment guidance, and referrals to specialists if needed, making it a one-stop solution.


7. Flexible Payment Options

In addition to Medisave claims, the clinic supports insurance coverage and cashless payment plans, making MRI scans accessible to more patients.


8. High-Quality, Radiation-Free Imaging

MRIs are high-resolution and radiation-free, ideal for detecting soft tissue, nerve, and joint injuries that X-rays or CT scans may miss.


9. Convenience and Workflow

Patients benefit from a fully coordinated workflow:

  • Consultation, MRI, reporting, and follow-up advice in one clinic

  • Reduced waiting times and travel

  • Efficient and patient-friendly process


10. How to Choose the Best Place for MRI

The ideal MRI centre in Singapore offers:

  • Fast appointments – same-day or next-working-day

  • Transparent and affordable pricing – consultation $50, MRI $950

  • Medisave-claimable – up to $600 per scan

  • Coverage for multiple body parts – knee, back, neck, shoulder, ankle, foot, elbow, hand, hip

  • Radiologist reporting included

  • Integrated care and specialist referral

  • High-quality, radiation-free imaging

MRI Scans in Singapore – Fast, Affordable, and Comprehensive at Pain Relief Clinic

Uncategorized | 2026 Jan

1. What is an MRI scan and why is it used?

An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan is a radiation-free imaging technique that produces detailed images of your soft tissues, joints, bones, and nerves. It is commonly used to diagnose conditions affecting the knee, neck, back, shoulder, ankle, foot, elbow, hand, and hip.

MRI is particularly useful for:

  • Soft tissue injuries (ligaments, tendons, cartilage)

  • Nerve impingements and spinal issues

  • Joint degeneration or arthritis

  • Post-injury assessment


2. Which body parts can you scan at the Pain Relief Clinic?

The Pain Relief Clinic offers MRI scans for multiple areas of the body, including:

  • Knee MRI – to assess ligament injuries, meniscus tears, cartilage wear, and bursitis.

  • Neck MRI – for disc herniation, spinal stenosis, nerve compression, or chronic neck pain.

  • Back MRI – including lumbar and thoracic spine, for sciatica, disc degeneration, or chronic back pain.

  • Shoulder MRI – to detect rotator cuff tears, labral injuries, and arthritis.

  • Ankle MRI – for ligament sprains, Achilles tendon injuries, or joint instability.

  • Foot MRI – for plantar fascia issues, tendon injuries, or fractures.

  • Elbow MRI – for tendonitis, ligament injuries, and nerve compression.

  • Hand MRI – to identify ligament or tendon injuries, arthritis, or nerve problems.

  • Hip MRI – for labral tears, bursitis, or early osteoarthritis detection.


3. How is the Pain Relief Clinic pathway different?

Unlike traditional pathways where patients first see a specialist before MRI, the Pain Relief Clinic offers a cost-effective and fast pathway:

  1. Initial Clinic Consultation ($50)

    • Discuss your symptoms and decide which MRI scan is needed.

  2. MRI Scan ($950)

    • Appointments are often same-day or within one working day.

  3. Results Review & Next Steps

    • MRI images are reviewed by a specialist radiologist, and the clinic coordinates referrals to orthopaedic or other specialists if required.

This approach reduces costs, shortens waiting times, and provides integrated care.


4. How much does an MRI cost?

  • Consultation at Pain Relief Clinic: $50

  • MRI scan: $950 (depending on body part)

Total costs are generally lower than going directly through a private specialist, while still providing high-quality diagnostic imaging.


5. Can I use Medisave or insurance for MRI?

Yes. The Pain Relief Clinic supports Medisave claims, insurance coverage, and flexible payment options, helping to reduce out-of-pocket costs.


6. How fast can I get an MRI appointment?

Appointments are typically same-day or within one working day, which is much faster than public hospital wait times (weeks to months) and many private hospital imaging schedules.


7. Why choose Pain Relief Clinic for MRI?

  • Fast scheduling – same-day or next-working-day appointments.

  • Affordable – transparent pricing for consults and MRI scans.

  • Integrated care – imaging, radiologist reporting, and guidance in one place.

  • Comprehensive coverage – MRI scans for knee, neck, back, shoulder, ankle, foot, elbow, hand, and hip.

  • Specialist referrals – coordinated if surgery or specialist care is needed.

  • High-quality imaging – radiation-free and suitable for soft tissue, joints, and nerve assessment.


8. How do I book an MRI at the Pain Relief Clinic?

  • Schedule a $50 consultation online or by phone.

  • Discuss your symptoms and determine which MRI scan is appropriate.

  • Clinic arranges the MRI, usually within 1 working day.

  • Receive results review and guidance on next steps, including referrals if necessary.

CTA:

Book your MRI consultation today to get fast, affordable, and integrated imaging for knee, neck, back, shoulder, ankle, foot, elbow, hand, or hip pain.

Ankle Pain With Normal X-rays in Singapore: 8 Situations Where an MRI Is Commonly Needed

Uncategorized | 2025 Dec

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

Factor Public Hospital Private Hospital / Centre The Pain Relief Clinic
Waiting time Weeks or more Days Within 1 working day
Pricing clarity Subsidised Variable Clear, under S$1,000
Off-site imaging No Sometimes No
Payment flexibility Limited Moderate High

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.

Ankle Pain With Normal X-rays: When Is an MRI Needed in Singapore?

Uncategorized | 2025 Dec

FAQ: MRI for Ankle Pain With Normal X-rays

What does it mean to have ankle pain with a normal X-ray?

This means ankle pain persists even though X-rays do not show fractures or obvious bone injury. X-rays mainly assess bones, but many ankle problems involve ligaments, tendons, cartilage, or soft tissues, which are not visible on X-ray.


If my ankle X-ray is normal, does that mean nothing is wrong?

Not necessarily. A normal X-ray does not rule out:

  • Ligament sprains or tears

  • Tendon injuries (e.g. Achilles, peroneal tendons)

  • Cartilage or joint surface damage

  • Bone marrow bruising or stress injury

  • Sinus tarsi or soft-tissue inflammation

MRI is often needed to identify these causes.


When should an MRI be considered for ankle pain?

An MRI is commonly considered when:

  • Ankle pain persists beyond a few weeks

  • Pain keeps recurring after initial improvement

  • There is swelling, instability, or giving way

  • Pain affects walking, work, or sports

  • Physiotherapy or rest has not resolved symptoms

  • X-rays do not explain ongoing pain


What can an MRI show that X-rays cannot?

MRI provides detailed images of:

  • Ankle ligaments (ATFL, CFL, deltoid ligament)

  • Tendons and tendon sheaths

  • Cartilage and joint surfaces

  • Bone marrow stress or bruising

  • Soft-tissue inflammation and fluid

This helps pinpoint the true source of ankle pain.


Is MRI especially useful after an ankle sprain?

Yes. MRI is particularly helpful when:

  • Pain persists after an ankle sprain

  • The ankle feels unstable

  • Swelling does not settle

  • There is difficulty returning to sports or exercise

MRI helps assess whether there is ligament damage, cartilage injury, or tendon involvement.


How long does it take to get an ankle MRI in Singapore?

Timing depends on the care pathway:

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

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

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


How much does an ankle MRI cost in Singapore?

Costs vary by provider and scan details:

  • Public hospitals:
    Lower out-of-pocket cost with subsidies, 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 financial uncertainty


Do I need to go to a separate imaging centre for the MRI?

In many pathways, yes. Patients often need to:

  • See a doctor at one location

  • Travel to a separate imaging centre

  • Return 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 coordination


Can Medisave be used for ankle MRI scans?

Yes. Medisave can be used for outpatient MRI scans, subject to prevailing outpatient diagnostic limits.

Patients can clarify:

  • Medisave eligibility

  • Expected out-of-pocket cost
    before proceeding.


Are insurance claims or instalment options available?

Depending on coverage, patients at The Pain Relief Clinic may access:

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

  • Cashless arrangements where applicable

  • Interest-free instalment plans

  • Cash and card payments

This flexibility is helpful when ankle pain limits mobility or work.


What happens after the MRI?

After imaging:

  • Findings are reviewed alongside symptoms and examination

  • The cause of ankle pain is explained clearly

  • Next steps may include targeted conservative care, monitoring, or referral if needed

Accurate imaging helps avoid unnecessary delays or ineffective treatment.


Key Takeaway

Ankle pain with a normal X-ray is common and often involves ligament, tendon, or cartilage injury. MRI frequently provides the clarity needed to guide recovery.

In Singapore:

  • Public hospitals offer subsidised scans but may involve waiting weeks or more

  • Private hospitals provide faster access with variable pricing

  • The Pain Relief Clinic offers a practical option with:

    • Clear upfront pricing under S$1,000

    • Fast MRI arrangement

    • No off-site imaging

    • Flexible payment options, including Medisave, insurance, cashless and instalments

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