Comparison of 1% Hydrocortisone Phonophoresis with Low Level Laser Therapy on Treatment of 2nd Degree Ankle Sprain

Ankle sprain is the most common injuries of ankle joint that 22% of sport injuries is related to ankle sprain.The aim of this study is to compare the effect of 1% hydrocortisone phonophoresis (1% HcP) with Low level laser therapy (LLLT) on treatment of 2nd degree ankle sprain. This double-blinded clinical trial was performed in Fattemieh physiotherapy clinic of Rafsanjan during 2013 -2014. Ninety patients who were all suffering from ankle sprains were divided randomly into three equal groups The first group. received 1% HcP, the second group received LLLT and third one was tried by Conventional Treatment (CT). Pain intensity, improvement of movement and inflammation were assessed during first, fifth and tenth sessions. Intensity of pain, movements and inflammation were evaluated by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), goniometer and meter, respectively. Data were analyzed by two – way repeated measures ANOVA, followed by TUKEY’s multiple comparisons test and chi-square test. The findings showed that 10 sessions of LLLT can be more effective than 1% HcP and CT on reduction of pain in state of rest of sprained ankle (p<0.001). In relation to ankle movements, 1% HcP was more effective than LLLT and CT (p<0.001). In relation to reducing inflammation 1% HcP, LLLT and CT were observed any significant difference (p=0.79). Also in relation to improvement of ecchymosis, 1% HcP was effective in comparison LLLT and CT (p<0.001). It can be concluded that 10 sessions of LLLT could be more effective than 1% HcP and CT in reduction of pain in ankle sprain, but in the improvement of movement 1% HcP could be more effective than LLLT and CT.