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Physiotherapy not ideal for the treatment of sprained ankles?
When people spraine their ankles, they are often advised to consult a doctor and perform physiotherapy. However, researchers have found that physiotherapy in people with sprained ankles often does not lead to a clinically important improvement.
A team of Canadian scientists found in his study that people with sprained ankles "do not really benefit from physiotherapy." The treatment of such injuries, according to the experts, often better even carried out at home. The physicians published the results of their study in the medical journal The British Medical Journal (BMJ).
With sprained ankles, many doctors recommend physiotherapy. Physicians found that usually home care is sufficient for a sprain of the ankle. Physiotherapy often brings no clinically significant improvements. (Image: zphoto83 / fotolia.com) Widespread approach to sprained ankles
Sprained ankles are a widespread problem that often arises from sports accidents. However, it is already possible to spraine the ankle, if one unfolds unfavorably when walking. Those affected seek out a doctor and then usually start a physiotherapy.
Physiotherapy is not really more efficient than home treatment?
However, this widespread way of dealing with such injuries does not seem to be ideal. "Ankle sprains can often be treated effectively from home," the study authors say. The researchers considered the clinically important improvements in physiotherapy after six months for their study. There were no real benefits compared to self-treatment at home.
Study on 503 subjects with ankle injuries
The Canadian physicians examined 503 subjects aged 16 to 79 years. They suffered from mild or moderate ankle injuries and were in an emergency room between 2009 and 2013 because of these problems.
What belongs to a good home treatment?
The patients were advised either to undergo physiotherapy and home care, or only for home care with basic care for the injury at home, the researchers explain. This includes, for example, information about immobilization, protection of the ankle, use of ice and painkillers, and the use of compression bandages.
Physiotherapy is not more effective than a home treatment?
The scientists found that 43 percent of participants in the physiotherapy group and 38 percent in the control group did not achieve excellent recovery within six months. The authors concluded that in the acute treatment of Grade 1 and Grade 2 patients ankle sprains (within 72 hours of injury), standard intervention of early-onset physiotherapy plus conventional care did not result in clinically important improvements functional restoration leads.
Forms of alternative interventions should be further investigated
There is potential for investigating alternative interventions that would reduce morbidity in patients with these injuries. Brenda Brouwer from Queen's University. Although no clinically important effect was found in the standardized physiotherapy regimen that was provided to the participants. However, there is potential for investigating alternative interventions, adds the expert. Patients, doctors and researchers should also consider various rehabilitative exercises that can influence the success of treatment, advise the doctors. The clinical benefit of rehabilitative exercises may depend on the type, intensity and duration of treatment. (As)