The Functional instability after an inversion trauma of ankle and foot: a research into the effectiveness of plaster bandage versus plaster bandage combined with physiotherapy. A survey is given of the different methods of treatment and this shows a shift towards an early functional mobilization with or without surgical therapy. The position of physiotherapy is unclear as far as reference, time, treatment and results are concerned. Physiotherapy must direct itself to testing the effectiveness of methods in use or to be developed. The functional instability of the ankle and the foot is one of the sub-goals in the treatment of an inversion trauma. Functional stability and instability are placed in a neurological context. Both mechanical and neuro-physical reasons can be held responsible for the fear of the ankle giving way. Results of a research into the effectiveness among 24 patients (n = 24) are reported. A random selection is made into two groups (n = 12). These groups are treated with a partially immobilizing plaster-bandage for the foot and the ankle (group I) or such a bandage in combination with a standard exercise programme (group II). The results were measured after 6, 12 and 24 weeks with variables like pain, fear of the ankle giving way, resumption of work, training and matches. There is a significant difference (p < 0.05) between the two groups for resumption of training and matches after 12 weeks and the fear of the ankle giving way after 6 and 24 weeks. No significant difference (p > 0.05) is found with pain, time of resumption of work after 6, 12 and 24 weeks. The treatment with a partially immobilizing plaster bandage in combination with a standard exercise programme may be given preference. Conclusions on the physiotherapeutical treatment in general may not be drawn from this research.

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