Can Kinesio Tape Improve Pain Management and Satisfaction in Acute Ankle Sprains?

A prospective, quasi-randomized controlled trial assessing the use of kinesio taping (KT) as a complementary treatment for patients with acute ankle sprain (AAS) in an emergency department (ED) setting found that while KT did not significantly improve acute pain relief, it reduced analgesic use and increased patient satisfaction.

AAS are among the most common musculoskeletal injuries seen in EDs, accounting for a significant number of referrals from both the general population and sports-related incidents. Conventional management, including rest, ice, compression, elevation, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), is widely used, but concerns persist regarding the potential adverse effects of NSAIDs, such as gastrointestinal complications and impaired tissue healing. KT, a technique frequently used in sports medicine for its purported benefits in pain management and functional support, has shown promise in managing chronic conditions but has not been extensively studied for acute injuries like AAS in ED settings. Given its potential to provide non-pharmacological pain relief and reduce reliance on NSAIDs, this study sought to evaluate the efficacy of KT as a complementary treatment for patients with AAS in the ED.

Conducted at a tertiary care ED, the study involved 68 adult patients with isolated, stable Grade 1 or Grade 2 AAS who were randomly assigned to receive either KT alongside conventional treatment or conventional treatment alone. Outcomes were measured in terms of pain intensity, analgesic consumption, and patient satisfaction.

At baseline and 30 minutes post-treatment, pain levels were comparable between the groups. At 60 minutes, the control group reported significantly lower pain intensity (P = .042); however, this difference lost statistical significance upon further regression analysis (P = .631). Notably, the KT group demonstrated a significant reduction in analgesic consumption (P < .001) and higher patient satisfaction scores (P =0.003).

KT application was performed using a standardized technique designed to enhance local circulation and proprioception. Participants in the KT group required fewer doses of dexketoprofen during follow-up and expressed greater satisfaction with their care compared to the control group. No adverse effects were reported from KT use, reinforcing its safety as a complementary therapy.

“KT application, as a complementary treatment, may reduce the need for analgesics and enhance patient satisfaction in patients with AAS in the ED,” the authors concluded, noting the need for further research to refine its use and establish its place in standard treatment protocols.

Reference

Karakoyun ÖF, Karakoyun ZN, Yüce Yörük EA, Coşkun MB, Gölcük Y. The impact of ankle kinesio taping on pain management in patients with acute ankle sprain. Ulus Travma Acil Cerrahi Derg. 2024;30(4):248-253. doi:10.14744/tjtes.2024.55494