Evaluating Electroacupuncture Combined with Surrounding Acupuncture for Treating Acute Lateral Ankle Sprain in Adults Aged 18 to 60

What this Trial Is About

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness and safety of electroacupuncture combined with surrounding acupuncture for treating acute lateral ankle sprain ALAS. Researchers aim to compare this method with sham electroacupuncture and traditional treatment involving ice compress and brake rest. The study also investigates how this therapy affects the nerves, muscles, and ligaments involved, exploring its underlying mechanisms and optimizing treatment parameters like time, frequency, and intensity. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups electroacupuncture combined with surrounding acupuncture, sham electroacupuncture, or ice compress combined with brake rest. The trial uses a quadruple masking approach to ensure unbiased results. Treatments will be administered over a four-week period, followed by a one-week follow-up. This design allows comparison of the clinical effects and physiological changes among different treatment methods. During the study, participants will undergo assessments including the Kofoed score at baseline, after four weeks of treatment, and after one week of follow-up. Additional measurements include musculoskeletal ultrasound evaluations before and after treatment and ankle joint circumference tracking throughout the study. These evaluations help monitor the treatments impact and safety. Total participation lasts about five weeks, with careful observation of clinical and biochemical changes.

Clinical Evaluation of Surrounding Electroacupuncture in the Treatment of Acute Lateral Ankle Sprain