Sprained Ankle Treatment Using Acupuncture in Singapore [2025]

In this article, we’ll explore what a sprained ankle is and how acupuncture serves as an effective sprained ankle treatment. We’ll also discuss other Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) therapies that can support and enhance your recovery process.

A sprained ankle happens when the ligaments, strong bands of tissue that connect bones to each other, are overstretched or torn. This usually occurs when your foot twists or rolls beyond its normal range, often due to uneven ground, a fall, or sudden force.

The most commonly affected ligament is the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL), found on the outside of your ankle.

Both injuries can look and feel similar, but there are a few signs that help differentiate them:

Let’s take a quick look at your ankle’s structure:

• Lateral ligaments (anterior talofibular ligament, calcaneofibular ligament and posterior talofibular ligament): These are on the outside of your ankle and are most likely to get injured when your foot rolls inward—this is the most common type of ankle sprain.
• Medial ligament (also called the deltoid ligament): This one is on the inside of your ankle and is stronger, so it’s less commonly injured.

Sprains are classified into three grades:

This depends on the severity:

• Mild sprains: 1–2 weeks with proper care
• Moderate: 3–6 weeks
• Severe: 8–12 weeks or longer

According to research from Science Direct, PubMed Central, BioMedCentral, and Lippincott Journals, acupuncture as a sprained ankle treatment works by targeting specific points on the body that help to:

• Reduce inflammation: Acupuncture can modulate the body’s inflammatory response, lowering levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-1, 6, 8, 18, and TNF-α and promoting anti-inflammatory effects.
• Relieve pain: Studies demonstrate acupuncture’s effectiveness in activating the body’s natural pain-relief mechanisms, such as the release of endorphins and modulation of neurotransmitters.
• Improve blood circulation: By stimulating local and systemic circulation, acupuncture enhances blood flow to the injured tissues, supporting nutrient delivery and waste removal necessary for healing.
• Relax tight muscles: Acupuncture helps reduce muscle tension by influencing muscle spindle activity and promoting muscle relaxation around the injury site.
• Support ligament and soft tissue repair: Through the combined effects of reduced inflammation, increased circulation, and pain relief, acupuncture can accelerate the natural healing process of ligaments and surrounding soft tissues.
• Reduce muscle atrophy: If your ankle sprain is very serious and surgery is needed, your foot will be in a cast for around four weeks. During this immobilisation period of approximately four weeks, you are not supposed to put too much weight on your foot. This may result in disuse muscle atrophy, which is the weakening and shrinking of muscles due to inactivity. This can significantly slow down recovery and affect balance and strength after the cast is removed, especially if you want to quickly return to engaging in sports. Research has shown that acupuncture can be done on areas above the cast, on points like ST36 (Zu San Li) and GB34 (Yang Ling Quan), to prevent significant muscle loss of the plantaris muscle during immobilisation after surgery.

When treating a sprained ankle with acupuncture, specific points are selected to reduce pain, improve circulation, and support healing. Here are some of the most commonly used ones:

• GB40 (Qiuxu): This point is located near the outer ankle. The lateral ankle ligaments can be found near Qiuxu as well. Qiuxu is especially helpful for easing pain and reducing swelling in the area.
• ST41 (Jiexi): Found on the top of the foot, right at the ankle joint, this point helps improve joint mobility and is often used when movement feels restricted.
• BL60 (Kunlun): Located just behind the outer ankle bone (lateral malleolus), this point is known for its strong pain-relieving effect and ability to reduce swelling.
• Ashi points: These are the tender or sore spots found directly around the injured area. They vary from person to person and are targeted to promote local healing and relieve discomfort.
• LV3 (Taichong): Situated on the top of the foot, between the first and second toes, this point helps to move Liver Qi. It’s useful in treating trauma-related pain and tension, especially when the outer side of the ankle is affected.

Depending in the situation, we will choose to use heat, red light, moxa or microstimulation in tandem with the needles.

Sessions may be done 1–2 times a week depending on the severity and how your body responds.

1. Herbal Medicine

TCM herbs can be used both topically and internally to reduce pain, swelling, and support tissue healing.

Common Formulas:

• Die Da Wan (跌打丸)
  This is a general application trauma formula based on traditional formulas used to treat martial arts injuries. Die Da Wan strongly reduces pain; it moves and builds blood, regenerates tissue, and reduces swelling. It is excellent when pain is the main symptom and heat is not a major factor in an injury, and is therefore perfect for early second stage trauma, when there is pain, stiffness and swelling, and slight heat in the body. 

• Shang Ke Jie Gu Pian (伤科接骨片)
  It is also known as Bone and Muscle Injury Tablets in english. In this research paper, Shang Ke Jie Gu Pian showed strong anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects, helping to reduce swelling and increase pain tolerance. It also supported soft tissue repair and significantly improved bone healing by enhancing osteocyte development and boosting blood calcium and phosphorus levels in the early stages of recovery.

• San Qi (Panax notoginseng) – stops bleeding, reduces inflammation
  According to this research paper, the saponins found in Panax notoginseng (San Qi) were shown to significantly enhance the production of fibroblasts, as well as increase the levels of collagen and fibronectin—all of which are essential for repairing damaged connective tissues. These effects contribute to faster and stronger recovery of torn ligaments, especially the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), which is commonly injured in sports. Since ankle sprains often involve ligament strain or micro-tears, San Qi can be an effective herb to support healing, reduce inflammation, and restore tissue strength.

• Ru Xiang & Mo Yao (Frankincense & Myrrh) – move Blood, reduce swelling
  Ru Xiang (frankincense) and Mo Yao (myrrh) are traditionally used in Chinese medicine to reduce swelling and promote healing. Research suggests that their combination has a synergistic effect, meaning the combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual effects, when treating conditions involving inflammation and swelling.  

2. Tui Na & Exercises

Tui Na (TCM therapeutic massage) can:

• Improve circulation
• Loosen stiffness
• Accelerate healing

At Soma Clinic, we may suggest soft tissue release, especially of the peroneal and tibialis anterior muscles that attach onto the where the ankle is sprained.

These releases are meant to accompany whatever your physiotherapist might be suggesting to facilitate recovery.

3. Cupping & Moxibustion

• Cupping helps relieve stagnation and pain, especially when bruising is present.
• Moxa (Moxibustion) warms the channels and improves Qi and Blood flow. It’s great for chronic sprains or those worsened by cold weather.

These are usually avoided in the first 24–48 hours post-injury, especially if swelling and heat are still present.

But these are really effective ways to help clear out the edema and swelling that usually accompany an ankle sprain. Once cleared, the ankle heals so much faster!

1. Herbal Medicine

TCM herbs can be used both topically and internally to reduce pain, swelling, and support tissue healing.

Common Formulas:

• Die Da Wan (跌打丸)
  This is a general application trauma formula based on traditional formulas used to treat martial arts injuries. Die Da Wan strongly reduces pain; it moves and builds blood, regenerates tissue, and reduces swelling. It is excellent when pain is the main symptom and heat is not a major factor in an injury, and is therefore perfect for early second stage trauma, when there is pain, stiffness and swelling, and slight heat in the body. 

• Shang Ke Jie Gu Pian (伤科接骨片)
  It is also known as Bone and Muscle Injury Tablets in english. In this research paper, Shang Ke Jie Gu Pian showed strong anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects, helping to reduce swelling and increase pain tolerance. It also supported soft tissue repair and significantly improved bone healing by enhancing osteocyte development and boosting blood calcium and phosphorus levels in the early stages of recovery.

• San Qi (Panax notoginseng) – stops bleeding, reduces inflammation
  According to this research paper, the saponins found in Panax notoginseng (San Qi) were shown to significantly enhance the production of fibroblasts, as well as increase the levels of collagen and fibronectin—all of which are essential for repairing damaged connective tissues. These effects contribute to faster and stronger recovery of torn ligaments, especially the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), which is commonly injured in sports. Since ankle sprains often involve ligament strain or micro-tears, San Qi can be an effective herb to support healing, reduce inflammation, and restore tissue strength.

• Ru Xiang & Mo Yao (Frankincense & Myrrh) – move Blood, reduce swelling
  Ru Xiang (frankincense) and Mo Yao (myrrh) are traditionally used in Chinese medicine to reduce swelling and promote healing. Research suggests that their combination has a synergistic effect, meaning the combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual effects, when treating conditions involving inflammation and swelling.  

2. Tui Na & Exercises

Tui Na (TCM therapeutic massage) can:

• Improve circulation
• Loosen stiffness
• Accelerate healing

At Soma Clinic, we may suggest soft tissue release, especially of the peroneal and tibialis anterior muscles that attach onto the where the ankle is sprained.

These releases are meant to accompany whatever your physiotherapist might be suggesting to facilitate recovery.

3. Cupping & Moxibustion

• Cupping helps relieve stagnation and pain, especially when bruising is present.
• Moxa (Moxibustion) warms the channels and improves Qi and Blood flow. It’s great for chronic sprains or those worsened by cold weather.

These are usually avoided in the first 24–48 hours post-injury, especially if swelling and heat are still present.

But these are really effective ways to help clear out the edema and swelling that usually accompany an ankle sprain. Once cleared, the ankle heals so much faster!

A sprained ankle might seem like a minor injury, but without proper sprained ankle treatment, it can lead to long-term issues such as chronic pain or joint instability.

At Soma Clinic, we understand that every injury is different and that’s why our treatment plans are fully personalized. We use a blend of acupuncture and other trusted TCM therapies tailored just for you.

Ready to take the first step toward pain-free movement? Reach out to us now!