Elastic stockings or Tubigrip for ankle sprain: A randomised clinical trial

Abstract

BackgroundAnkle sprains are common and generally believed to be benign and self-limiting. However, a significant proportion of patients with ankle sprains have persistent symptoms for months or even years. AimsThe study aimed to evaluate whether elastic stockings improve recovery following ankle sprain. MethodologyAll patients within 72h of ankle sprain were identified in Accident & Emergency or the Fracture Clinic. Consenting patients, stratified for sex, were randomised to either: (i) Tubigrip or (ii) class II below knee elastic stockings (ESs, Medi UK Ltd.) which were fitted immediately and worn until the patient was pain-free and fully mobile. The deep veins of the injured legs were imaged by duplex Doppler for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) at 4 weeks. Outcome was compared using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS) and SF12v2 for quality of life. ResultsIn the 36 randomised patients, the mean (95% confidence interval (CI)) circumference of the injured ankle treated by ES was 23.5 (23–24)cm initially and 22 (22–23) and 22 (21–22.5)cm at 4 and 8 weeks (p<0.001) compared with 24 (23–25) cm initially and 24 (23–25) and 24 (23–24.5) cm using Tubigrip (p<0.001). By 8 weeks, the mean AOFAS and SF12v2 scores were significantly improved by ES at 99 (8.1) and 119 (118–121) compared with 88 (11) and 102 (99–107) with Tubigrip (p<0.001). Of the 34 duplex images at 4 weeks, none had a DVT. ConclusionElastic compression improves recovery following ankle sprain.