Objective To observe the difference in the therapeutic effect on acute ankle sprain treated with the combination of surrounding needling and cold compression in comparison of the conventional cold compression. Methods The patients with acute ankle sprain were randomly divided into control group(33 cases) and observation group(35 cases). In the first 3 days of treatment

the conventional cold compression was used in the control group

while the surrounding needling technique of acupuncture was combined with cold compression in the observation group. Separately

along the distal-lateral side of the leg

and the lateral sides of the heel and the dorsal part of the foot

3 or 4 needles were inserted in each part

total 9 to 12 needles

toward the center of swelling and pain site

and distributed in a fan shape. The needles were retained for 30 min and the acupuncture therapy was delivered once daily. Since the 4

(th)

day of treatment

the hot compress and the static stretching exercise of the ankle joint were adopted in the two groups

once daily for 1 week. The visual analogue scale(VAS) score for ankle pain and ankle swelling degree were compared between the two groups before and after 3-day treatment

as well as the score of American orthopedic foot and ankle society(AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scale was evaluated. Results After 3-day treatment

VAS score was decreased in both groups(P

<

0.01)

and the score in the observation group was lower than that of the control group(P

<

0.01). Ankle swelling degree was relieved in both groups(P

<

0.01)

and there was no significant difference between the two groups. After 1 week of treatment

the scores of AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scale were improved in both groups(P

<

0.01)

and the score in the observation group was higher than the control group(P

<

0.05). Conclusion Either the combined therapy of surrounding needling and cold compression or the conventional cold compression can effectively relieve pain and swelling induced by acute ankle sprain. The therapeutic effect of the combined therapy is superior to the conventional cold compression for the motor function improvement of ankle joint.