Relationship between ankle-foot swelling and self-assessed function after ankle sprain.
OBJECTIVE
Decreasing swelling after ankle sprain is a main focus of treatment, as it is believed that swelling is related to function. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between ankle-foot swelling and self-assessed ankle function in the early period after ankle sprain.


METHODS
Thirty-six individuals were tested for ankle-foot volume and self-assessed ankle function within days of spraining their ankle. Volumetric measurements of the injured and uninjured ankle-foot segment were taken with a foot and ankle volumeter. Stepwise linear regression analysis was performed, with function being the dependent variable, and the following variables included as independent variables: gender, age, body mass index, previous history of sprain in the injured ankle, and the volume difference between the injured and uninjured ankle-foot segment.


RESULTS
None of the independent variables were significantly related to self-assessed function. Pearson's correlation coefficient for the injured minus uninjured ankle-foot volume and self-assessed ankle function was -0.003.


CONCLUSIONS
The results indicate that there is no relationship between ankle-foot swelling and self-assessed ankle function in the early period after ankle sprain injury.
Man
Ivy O W
IO
School of Health Sciences and Social Care, Osterley Campus, Brunel University, Isleworth, Middlesex, UNITED KINGDOM.
Morrissey
Matthew C
MC
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001837:Body Weights and Measures; D004487:Edema / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology; D013180:Sprains and Strains / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*