Publication:

Non operative treatment of chronic ankle sprain: a study conducted in teaching general hospital, Telangana, India

Background Chronic ankle sprain due to “sprained ankle syndrome” may be particularly troublesome. Some causes of chronic ankle instability may be symptomatic insufficiency of pathologic laxity, arthro-kinematic changes, degenerative changes, decrease of proprioception and inadequate neuromuscular control. This study was conducted to review our experience with footwear correction of chronic ankle sprains of grade 2 and 3.

Methods Ankles of 280 patients, who had chronic ankle sprains grade 2, grade 3 were considered in this study, to assess results of non-operate treatment. Diagnosis was made with history of pain, swelling on walking, clinical findings of swelling, tenderness on antero-lateral aspect of lateral malleolus. All patients were given 3 days of anti-inflammatories, analgesics and footwear modifications. Later patients were advised exercise program.

Results Out of 280 patients, who were regularly followed, 92% people had relief, 3.4% of patients continued footwear as they had associated symptoms, 3.9% of patient continued to have pain maybe obscure or not following doctor orders.

Conclusion The study concludes that lateral elevated foot wear made of micro cellular rubber of 0.75 cm is the choice of treatment for grade 2 and 3 ankle sprains. This foot wear helps in biomechanical correction from varus and also decreases symptoms and signs. Cosmetically acceptable.