Immediate effects of ultrasound therapy on pain and plantar pressure in individuals with subacute ankle sprains: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Introduction Despite the fact that ultrasound (US) therapy is not advised for acute ankle sprains, its therapeutic effects may be beneficial for other stages of ankle sprains, such as a subacute ankle sprain. There is, however, a lack of evidence regarding the effects of US on pain relief and functional improvement in subacute ankle sprains. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the immediate effects of US on pain and plantar pressure in individuals with unilateral subacute ankle sprains. Methods Fifty-four participants with unilateral subacute ankle sprains (aged 16–55 years) were recruited and randomly allocated into a treatment group ( n = 27) and a control group ( n = 27). The treatment and control groups received a single intervention session of US and an ineffectual US, respectively. Pain intensity during weight-bearing and static and dynamic plantar pressures were assessed before and after receiving the intervention. Results In both groups, pain intensity was statistically reduced ( p < 0.05) and clinically relevant. Although the maximum plantar pressure in the hindfoot during static conditions was statistically higher in the control group ( p = 0.024), the values were still lower than MDC95. Conclusions A single treatment of US could clinically reduce pain, but it had no effect on altering plantar pressure in individuals with unilateral subacute ankle sprains.

Keywords

• ankle
• sprains
• ultrasound
• weight-bearing
• pain