An alternative management protocol for lateral ankle sprains*.

Soft tissue ankle injuries, particularly lateral ligament sprains, cause considerable disability and loss of time from activities. These injuries are commonly and frequently treated by physical therapists. Controversy exists over the efficacy of various methods for the nonoperative management of these injuries. A comprehensive program for the management of the lateral ankle sprain, involving the fabrication of a thermoplastic ankle stirrup and the initiation of a selfdirected home program of ankle rehabilitation using surgical tubing, is detailed. Based upon the experimental work of Brostrom, Noyes, and others, the early application of stress with protective motion has been found to facilitate the strength and structural integrity of healing ligaments. The ankle stirrup regimen allows weight bearing and easy removal for treatment or exercise. Joint stiffness, muscular atrophy, and circulatory stasis are minimized. The ankle stirrup provides an aggressive yet therapeutically sound approach to the management of this injury. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1981;2(4):187-190.