[Effects of intradermal needling combined with tuina on ankle sprain sequelae]

To compare the clinical efficacy differences between intradermal needling combined with tuina and tuina alone on ankle sprain sequelae.

Ninety patients with chronic ankle sprain were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 45 cases in each group. The patients in the control group were treated with conventional tuina. The patients in the observation group were treated with conventional tuina, followed by intradermal needling at ashi point (the most painful tendons node), Shenmai (BL 62)/Zhaohai (KI 6), Jiexi (ST 41)/Zhongfeng (LR 4), Qiuxu (GB 40)/Shangqiu (SP 5) for 24 to 48 hours per treatment; acupoint selection was based on the different side of ankle sprain, and 5 acupoints were selected per treatment, including 2 painful points. The treatment was given twice per week, and totally 8 treatments were given within 4 weeks. The follow-up visit was 12 months. The pain of tendon joints was evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS); the patient number of severity of ankle pain during walking and running as well as the occurrence and frequency of ankle pain during rest in follow-up visit in the two groups were observed; the satisfaction survey was conducted in the observation group.

Compared before treatment, VAS of tendon joints, the patient number of severity of ankle pain during walking and running were improved after treatment in the two groups (all P<0.05), and patient number of the severity of ankle pain during running in the observation group was superior to that in the control group (P<0.05). During follow-up visit, compare with the control group, the occurrence and frequency of ankle pain during rest in the observation group was significantly improved (both P<0.05); the satisfaction in the observation group was significant.

The intradermal needling combined with tuina could improve the tenderness of tendon joints and pain during walking and running in patients with ankle sprain sequelae; compared with tuina alone, it could reduce the occurrence of ankle pain during rest, which is safe and reliable.