Management Of Acute Ankle Sprain Research Articles

Management of Acute Ankle Sprains in the Athlete

Management of Acute Ankle Sprains in the Athlete

Acute ankle sprain in athletes: Clinical aspects and algorithmic approach.

Acute ankle sprain is the most common lower limb injury in athletes and accounts for 16%-40% of all sports-related injuries. It is especially common in basketball, American football, and soccer. The majority of sprains affect the lateral ligaments, particularly the anterior talofibular ligament. Despite its high prevalence, a high proportion of patients experience persistent residual symptoms and injury recurrence. A detailed history and proper physical examination are diagnostic cornerstones. Imaging is not indicated for the majority of ankle sprain cases and should be requested according to the Ottawa ankle rules. Several interventions have been recommended in the management of acute ankle sprains including rest, ice, compression, and elevation, analgesic and anti-inflammatory medications, bracing and immobilization, early weight-bearing and walking aids, foot orthoses, manual therapy, exercise therapy, electrophysical modalities and surgery (only in selected refractory cases). Among these interventions, exercise and bracing have been recommended with a higher level of evidence and should be incorporated in the rehabilitation process. An exercise program should be comprehensive and progressive including the range of motion, stretching, strengthening, neuromuscular, proprioceptive, and sport-specific exercises. Decision-making regarding return to the sport in athletes may be challenging and a sports physician should determine this based on the self-reported variables, manual tests for stability, and functional performance testing. There are some common myths and mistakes in the management of ankle sprains, which all clinicians should be aware of and avoid. These include excessive imaging, unwarranted non-weight-bearing, unjustified immobilization, delay in functional movements, and inadequate rehabilitation. The application of an evidence-based algorithmic approach considering the individual characteristics is helpful and should be recommended.

The management of acute lateral ankle sprains: a survey of South African surgeons and best evidence available

Introduction: Ankle sprains remain the single most frequent injury in modern sports with increasing evidence that it is not as innocuous as previously thought. Conservative treatment options include various forms of immobilisation such as casts, moonboots and stirrup braces, followed by a rehabilitation period involving different modalities. Despite clinical evidence there seems to be a divergence between research and practice with an increase in acute surgical repair especially with regard to professional athletes. The aim of the study was to assess the approach on management of acute ankle sprains by orthopaedic surgeons in South Africa, by means of a descriptive cross-sectional survey analysis. Methods: This was a two-part study. First, a questionnaire was emailed to participating orthopaedic surgeons, consisting of eight treatment options for a grade three lateral ankle sprain in a non-professional athlete. Secondly, a literature review was undertaken to establish the current best practice concerning ankle sprain management. Results: A total of 129 responses was received out of the 719 that were sent out. Surgical repair was offered in 24 (19%). Conservative treatment including either cast or moonboot for a period of six weeks was chosen by 49 (38%) and two to four weeks by 55 (43%) as their preferred treatment. Only 39 (30%) of responding South African Orthopaedic Association members chose a short period of immobilisation followed by functional rehabilitation in accordance with the current best evidence available, based on the literature review done. Conclusion: Despite good clinical evidence, there seems to be a lack of consensus in the management of grade three lateral ankle sprains. Level of evidence: Level 5

The addition of supervised physiotherapy sessions for management of acute ankle sprain does not aid recovery more than providing standardised written instruction about early management [synopsis

The addition of supervised physiotherapy sessions for management of acute ankle sprain does not aid recovery more than providing standardised written instruction about early management [synopsis

The addition of supervised physiotherapy sessions for management of acute ankle sprain does not aid recovery more than providing standardised written instruction about early management [commentary

The addition of supervised physiotherapy sessions for management of acute ankle sprain does not aid recovery more than providing standardised written instruction about early management [commentary

Management of acute ankle sprain: A literature review

Among musculoskeletal injuries, the incidence of ankle sprains is between 15% and 20% of sports injuries. The ankle is supported laterally by the anterior talofibular ligament, calcaneofibular ligament and posterior talofibular ligament, whilst the medial aspect is supported by the deltoid ligament. Ankle sprains can be either acute sprains, which can be further classified into three grades depending on the severity of the injury, or chronic instability. Acute ankle sprain is usually managed conservatively and functional rehabilitation failure by conservative treatment leads to development of chronic ankle instability, which most often requires surgical intervention. Successful treatment of acute ankle sprain can be achieved with individualized, aggressive and non-operative measures. Surgery should always be indicated on an individual basis

Traumeel vs. diclofenac for reducing pain and improving ankle mobility after acute ankle sprain: A multicentre, randomised, blinded, controlled and non‐inferiority trial

BackgroundAcute ankle sprains are common and activity limiting injuries, and topical diclofenac gel has proven efficacy in alleviating pain and restoring function. This trial aimed to compare a topical natural agent, Traumeel with topical diclofenac gel (1%) in the management of acute ankle sprain.MethodsThis prospective, multicentre, randomised, blinded, active-control and non-inferiority study involved 449 physically active adults sustaining unilateral grade 1 or 2 ankle sprain within the past 24 h. Participants were randomised to receive 2 g of Traumeel ointment (T-O) (n = 152) or Traumeel gel (T-G) (n = 150) or diclofenac gel (D-G) (n = 147), administered topically to the ankle three times a day for 14 days, with 6-weeks follow up.ResultsDay 7 median percentage reductions in Visual Analogue Scale pain score were 60.6%, 71.1% and 68.9% for the T-O, T-G and D-G groups, respectively. Total pain relief was reported by 12 (8.5%), 7 (5.0%) and 8 (5.9%) participants in each group, respectively. Median improvements in Foot and Ankle Ability Measure Activities of Daily Living subscale score were 26.2, 26.2 and 25.0 points for T-O, T-G and D-G groups, respectively. Mann–Whitney effect sizes and lower bound confidence intervals demonstrated non-inferiority of Traumeel vs. diclofenac for reducing pain and functional improvement. At 6 weeks, participants reported total pain relief and normal functioning. Adverse events (n = 43) were reported by 31/447 participants (6.9%). Treatments were equally well tolerated.ConclusionsT-O and T-G decreased pain and improved joint function to the same extent as D-G in acute ankle sprain, and were well tolerated.

A Novel Cryotherapy Compression Wrap in the Management of Acute Ankle Sprains: Potential Use for Special Operators on the Battlefield

Musculoskeletal injuries related to training and operational missions frequently affect military personnel. A common treatment for these injuries is the PRICE (protection, rest, ice, compression, and elevation) method, which is time consuming and impractical in the field. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the cryotherapy wrap compared to a traditional treatment in the management of acute ankle sprains.A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted in a university research laboratory with 13 subjects (9 males and 4 females) with the following physical characteristics: age (yr) 20.6 ? 2.2, height (cm) 177.0 ? 14.3, weight (kg) 76.6 ? 20.6, and body mass index (kg/m2) 24.1 ? 3.7. Participants were instructed to perform PRICE with a traditional ice pack and compression wrap (control group) or with an Arctic Ease? cryotherapy wrap (test group) for 48 hours following enrollment in the study. The Numeric Pain Scale, Foot and Ankle Ability Measure, and ankle/foot volumetric measurement were performed at initial presentation and 24-hour, 48-hour, and 7-day follow-up intervals.While the comparison of the Numeric Pain Scale scores, Foot and Ankle Ability Measure scores, and volumetric changes between groups revealed no statistically significant differences (p > 0.01), there was an 86% compliance rate for subjects in the cryotherapy wrap group compared to a 17% compliance rate of subjects in the control group.The cryotherapy wraps performed comparably to ice therapy and therefore may be especially applicable to military personnel required to operate in austere and hostile environments where traditional therapies are unrealistic. Although this pilot study did not demonstrate that the cryotherapy wraps produce statistically superior results, trends emerged in the data suggesting that subject compliance rate may be improved by using an alternative form of cryotherapy compression, which could lead to better management of pain, edema, and functional recovery. Future research should include a larger sample size to verify this claim.

The PRICE study (Protection Rest Ice Compression Elevation): design of a randomised controlled trial comparing standard versus cryokinetic ice applications in the management of acute ankle sprain [ISRCTN13903946

BackgroundCryotherapy (the application of ice for therapeutic purposes) is one of the most common treatment modalities employed in the immediate management of acute soft tissue injury. Despite its widespread clinical use, the precise physiological responses to therapeutic cooling have not been fully elucidated, and effective evidence-based treatment protocols are yet to be established. Intermittent ice applications are thought to exert a significant analgesic effect. This could facilitate earlier therapeutic exercise after injury, potentially allowing for a quicker return to activity. The primary aim of the forthcoming study is therefore to examine the safety and effectiveness of combining intermittent ice applications with periods of therapeutic exercise in the first week after an acute ankle sprain.Methods/DesignThe study is a randomised controlled trial. 120 subjects with an acute grade I or grade II ankle sprain will be recruited from Accident & Emergency and a University based Sports Injury Clinic. Subjects will be randomised under strict double-blind conditions to either a standard cryotherapy (intermittent ice applications with compression) or cryokinetic treatment group (intermittent ice applications with compression and therapeutic exercise). After the first week, treatment will be standardised across groups. Assessor blinding will be maintained throughout the trial. Primary outcome will be function, assessed using the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS). Additional outcomes will include pain (10 cm Visual Analogue Scale), swelling (modified figure-of-eight method) and activity levels (activPAL™ physical activity monitor, PAL Technologies, Glasgow, UK). Diagnostic Ultrasound (Episcan-1-200 high frequency ultrasound scanning system, Longport International Ltd, PA) will also be used to assess the degree of soft tissue injury. After baseline assessment subjects will be followed up at 1, 2, 3 & 4 weeks post injury. All data will be analysed using repeated measures analysis of co-variance (ANCOVA).DiscussionThis paper describes the rationale and design of a randomised controlled trial which will examine the effectiveness of two different cryotherapy protocols in the early management of acute ankle sprain.Trial RegistrationISRCTN13903946

Cryotherapy for acute ankle sprains: a randomised controlled study of two different icing protocols

Background: The use of cryotherapy in the management of acute soft tissue injury is largely based on anecdotal evidence. Preliminary evidence suggests that intermittent cryotherapy applications are most effective at...

Re: Efficacy of Celecoxib, a COX-2-Specific Inhibitor, and Naproxen in the Management of Acute Ankle Sprain: Results of a Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective:To assess the efficacy and safety of celecoxib and naproxen in the treatment of acute ankle sprain.Design:Double-blind, parallel-group, randomized trial.Setting:Multicenter outpatient.Patients:Adult patients (n = 397) with acute first-degree or second-degree ankle sprain.Interventions:Pati

An Ankle Protocol for Second-Degree Ankle Sprains

Returning to full activity is of primary concern for the injured patient with a second-degree ankle sprain. This is especially true of a member of the United States Marine Corps. Unfortunately, many patients are not referred to physical therapy for comprehensive management of acute ankle sprains. An ankle protocol based on previous clinical experience was developed which included an acute and rehabilitative phase. An air stirrup orthosis was used as an adjunct to therapy to resume activities safely. This combination allowed Marines to return to full duty in less than 2 weeks.

Initial Management of Acute Ankle Sprains with Rapid Pulsed Pneumatic Compression and Cold

Sports medicine practioners must be prepared to aggressively treat musculoskeletal trauma with both therapeutically sound and time efficient regimens. Thorough early treatment is essential for prevention of further trauma, for an expedient recovery, and for the earliest possible return to activity. The present study sought to evaluate the efficacy of rapid pulsed pneumatic compression along with cold in the amelioration of the acute symptoms associated with lateral ankle ligament sprains. Active range of motion and volumetric measures of ankle edema were made before and after 20-minute compression treatments on a series of 19 acute grade I lateral ankle ligament sprains. The number of treatments required before initiation of rehabilitation exercise ranged from one to eight with a mean of three. Rapid pulsed pneumatic compression along with cold is a safe and therapeutically sound method of controlling pain, loss of motion, and edema associated with this common injury. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1982;4(1):39-43.