New ankle sprain research

[ratfink]

this is interesting about research indicating best treatment for ankles sprains is 10 day plaster cast

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7886619.stm

[southernsoftie]

So that'll be after every race for me!

[Updownupdown]

Its an interesting bit of research, but worth noting perhaps having had a good look at the original publication (never trust a journalist, remember MMR?) that they were looking at severe injuries. They classify that as unable to weight bear for three days. So if you can get off the fell that's probably not you (although I know a few folk who've walked about on fractures for a day or two, and a few wusses who've taken the decade off work after a little twist so perhaps that aspect of the study is subjective).

The outcome of the 10 days in plaster was quicker improvement in symptoms, ie those patients were better than the others at 3 months but there wasn't much difference between the four treatment options at 9 months post injury.

Seems a robust study though and goes against much current thinking. I can't provide a link to the original study as a login is needed or the Lancet want $30, outrageous!