The impact of ankle kinesio taping on pain management in patients with acute ankle sprain

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of Kinesio Tape (KT) application as a complementary treatment for patients with acute ankle sprain (AAS) in an Emergency Department (ED) setting. METHODS: A prospective, quasi -randomized controlled trial was conducted in a tertiary care ED. Adult patients diagnosed with isolated, stable Grade 1 and Grade 2 AAS were included. Patients were divided into two groups: the KT group, where KT was applied in addition to conventional treatment, and the control group, receiving only conventional treatment. Pain intensity, analgesic usage, and patient satisfaction were assessed. RESULTS: While pain levels were similar between both groups at baseline and the 30th minute, the control group reported significantly lower pain levels at the 60th minute (p=0.575, p=0.437, and p=0.042, respectively). The KT group exhibited reduced analgesic drug consumption and higher patient satisfaction levels (p<0.001 and p=0.003, respectively). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the difference in pain intensity at the 60th minute lost significance, while analgesic usage and patient satisfaction remained significant (p=0.631, p=0.003, and p=0.026, respectively). CONCLUSION: KT application, as a complementary treatment, may reduce the need for analgesics and enhance patient satisfaction in patients with AAS in the ED. Further research is needed to refine its application and confirm its effectiveness in standard AAS treatment protocols.