This study investigated factors that may contribute to the development of persistent pain 6 months after a lateral ankle sprain (LAS). The findings indicated that experiencing pain at the time of returning to activity and being able to bear full weight at the time of study enrollment (up to 7 days after event) were associated with a higher likelihood of persistent pain 6 months post-sprain.
Current clinical practice guidelines for ankle sprain recommend progressive weight-bearing with support during the early phase of recovery and supervised rehabilitation. Interestingly, supervised rehabilitation was not identified in this study as a preventative factor against developing persistent pain despite almost 62% of participants seeking such care. Instead, these results suggest full weight-bearing status at the time of enrollment and ongoing pain at the time of return to activity were associated with persistent pain 6 months after an ankle sprain. These results provide preliminary support for the need to re-examine recommendations for the early phases of recovery post-injury and potential reasons why individuals are returning to activity with ongoing symptoms (eg, pain).
Source: Kosik KB, McCann RS, Slone S, Orhnberger E, Gribble PA. Protective Factors and Risk Factors for Persistent Pain 6-Months After Lateral Ankle Sprain. J Athl Train. 2023;58(6S):110.
