Adding Dangguixu-san to acupuncture may provide sustained pain relief and symptom improvement after acute lateral ankle sprains, particularly for more severe injuries.
Researchers conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial across two Korean medicine hospitals involving adults with recent grade one or grade two lateral ankle sprains. Participants received either Dangguixu-san or an identical placebo alongside daily acupuncture for five days, with trial capsules taken for seven days. Pain, ankle function, swelling, and quality of life were assessed before treatment, after treatment, and at follow-up.
Compared with placebo plus acupuncture, Dangguixu-san plus acupuncture produced greater improvements in pain and ankle symptoms during the period after treatment ended. Benefits were especially apparent among participants with grade two sprains, including improved pain, overall ankle function, and quality of life. No treatment-related adverse events or clinically concerning laboratory changes were reported.
