Evaluating electroacupuncture for treating acute ankle sprains

Clinical Evaluation of Surrounding Electroacupuncture in the Treatment of Acute Lateral Ankle Sprain

Not applicable Interventional The Third Affiliated hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University · NCT06182943

This study is testing if electroacupuncture can help people with acute ankle sprains feel better compared to a fake treatment and traditional ice packs.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment84 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
SponsorThe Third Affiliated hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hangzhou, Zhejiang)
Trial IDNCT06182943 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study compares the effectiveness of electroacupuncture combined with surrounding acupuncture against sham electroacupuncture and traditional ice compress treatment for acute lateral ankle sprains. It aims to assess the safety and efficacy of the acupuncture methods using musculoskeletal ultrasound techniques. The research will also explore the physiological and biochemical changes in the affected areas and optimize treatment parameters to enhance therapeutic outcomes. The goal is to integrate traditional Chinese medicine with Western practices in orthopedics.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 18 to 60 with a grade I or II ankle sprain occurring within the last 48 hours.

Not a fit: Patients with grade III injuries, ankle fractures, or serious underlying health conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a novel and effective treatment option for patients suffering from acute lateral ankle sprains.

How similar studies have performed: While acupuncture has been explored in various contexts, this specific combination of electroacupuncture and surrounding acupuncture for ankle sprains is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Meets the diagnostic criteria for a grade I or II injury;
* Onset time≤48h;
* The patient aged between18 and 60, gender is not limited;
* The skin of the ankle joint on the affected side is intact, without breakage or ulceration;

Exclusion Criteria:

* Combined with ankle fracture;
* Grade III injury or complete ligament rupture;
* Those who cannot comply with the treatment program. Those with keloid, localized combination of other skin diseases, and those who are not suitable for electroacupuncture treatment;
* Those with serious cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, hepatic, renal, hematopoietic system or systemic failure, connective tissue disease, hemophilia, diabetes mellitus, malignant tumors, and those who are prone to bleeding tendency.

Where this trial is running

Hangzhou, Zhejiang

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Electroacupuncture
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.