Authors :
Dr. Swarup Ghosh; Dr. Sunayana Ghosh Dostider; Dr. Sourangshu Bhattacharyya; Chayan Rajbanshi
Volume/Issue :
ICVDRS 2026
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/y8vzn45b
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/ye29xt3n
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26jun1599
Abstract :
Background:
Acute ankle sprain is one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries, traditionally managed using the RICE protocol
(Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation). While effective for symptom control, RICE does not directly address joint positional
faults or altered arthrokinematics that may contribute to persistent pain and functional limitation. Manual therapy
techniques targeting the distal tibiofibular and talocrural joints may provide rapid pain relief and facilitate early functional
recovery.
Case Description:
A 24-year-old recreational athlete presented with an acute lateral ankle sprain following an inversion injury sustained
48 hours prior. The patient reported severe pain during weight-bearing and walking, with localized swelling and tenderness
over the lateral ankle. Baseline pain intensity was recorded as 7/10 on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), with painful
and restricted ankle dorsiflexion.
Intervention:
In addition to standard care excluding prolonged immobilization, a postero-superior fibular glide was applied with the
patient in supine position. The glide was performed within pain-free limits and combined with active ankle dorsiflexion. The
intervention aimed to correct suspected fibular positional dysfunction and restore normal ankle biomechanics.
Results:
An immediate and clinically meaningful reduction in pain was observed following a single treatment session. NPRS
scores reduced from 7/10 pre-intervention to 3/10 post-intervention. The patient also demonstrated improved tolerance to
weight-bearing and smoother gait pattern immediately after the technique, with increased pain-free ankle dorsiflexion.
Conclusion:
This case report highlights the immediate analgesic effect of postero-superior fibular glide in the management of acute
ankle sprain, demonstrating benefits beyond conventional RICE-based management. Addressing joint mechanics through
targeted manual therapy may accelerate pain reduction and support early functional restoration in acute ankle injuries.
Keywords :
Acute Ankle Sprain, Fibular Glide, Manual Therapy, Pain Reduction, RICE Protocol.
Background:
Acute ankle sprain is one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries, traditionally managed using the RICE protocol
(Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation). While effective for symptom control, RICE does not directly address joint positional
faults or altered arthrokinematics that may contribute to persistent pain and functional limitation. Manual therapy
techniques targeting the distal tibiofibular and talocrural joints may provide rapid pain relief and facilitate early functional
recovery.
Case Description:
A 24-year-old recreational athlete presented with an acute lateral ankle sprain following an inversion injury sustained
48 hours prior. The patient reported severe pain during weight-bearing and walking, with localized swelling and tenderness
over the lateral ankle. Baseline pain intensity was recorded as 7/10 on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), with painful
and restricted ankle dorsiflexion.
Intervention:
In addition to standard care excluding prolonged immobilization, a postero-superior fibular glide was applied with the
patient in supine position. The glide was performed within pain-free limits and combined with active ankle dorsiflexion. The
intervention aimed to correct suspected fibular positional dysfunction and restore normal ankle biomechanics.
Results:
An immediate and clinically meaningful reduction in pain was observed following a single treatment session. NPRS
scores reduced from 7/10 pre-intervention to 3/10 post-intervention. The patient also demonstrated improved tolerance to
weight-bearing and smoother gait pattern immediately after the technique, with increased pain-free ankle dorsiflexion.
Conclusion:
This case report highlights the immediate analgesic effect of postero-superior fibular glide in the management of acute
ankle sprain, demonstrating benefits beyond conventional RICE-based management. Addressing joint mechanics through
targeted manual therapy may accelerate pain reduction and support early functional restoration in acute ankle injuries.
Keywords :
Acute Ankle Sprain, Fibular Glide, Manual Therapy, Pain Reduction, RICE Protocol.
