Randomized comparison of tape versus semi-rigid and versus lace-up ankle support in the treatment of acute lateral ankle ligament injury

193 patients undergoing conservative functional treatment for lateral ankle ligament inversion injuries were randomized to one of the following three modes of therapy: (1) taping, (2) semi-rigid bracing, or (3) lace-up ankle support bracing. The purpose of this study was to determine if one of these treatments was associated with a greater clinical benefit in terms of ankle pain, function, daily activities, quality of life, and time to return to work/sports activity. Although patients in the semi-rigid group displayed significantly improved sports FAOS subscale scores at 6 months, all other outcomes of interest remained comparable across study groups.