Neuromodulation in Chronic Ankle Instability

Ankle sprain is a common injury. Around 712,000 sprains occur every day in the world. It is estimated that they account for 45% of sports injuries, being the second part of the body that is most frequently injured in sports. Of the patients who suffer this injury, around 70% will develop chronic ankle instability, a situation that can cause residual pain, recurrent sprains, a feeling of lack of stability and decreased physical activity.

Two entities can be included in chronic ankle instability: mechanical instability, which involves movement of the joint beyond its physiological limit, and functional instability, which includes proprioceptive dysfunction, impaired neuromuscular control, postural control, and strength deficits.

Currently, the conservative treatment of these patients consists of neuromuscular training through the use of dynamic balance platforms, taping, joint mobilization, dry needling, and the use of plantar supports, balance training being the one that has shown the best result.

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous neuromodulation (PNM) is a recently used technique in the field of invasive physiotherapy that consists of applying a square wave biphasic electrical current through an acupuncture needle-like electrode that is place in close proximity to the nerve with ultrasound guidance. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of PNM in ankle instability.