RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Diagnosis, treatment and prevention of ankle sprains: update of an evidence-based clinical guideline JF British Journal of Sports Medicine JO Br J Sports Med FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and British Association of Sport and Exercise Medicine SP 956 OP 956 DO 10.1136/bjsports-2017-098106 VO 52 IS 15 A1 Gwendolyn Vuurberg A1 Alexander Hoorntje A1 Lauren M Wink A1 Brent F W van der Doelen A1 Michel P van den Bekerom A1 Rienk Dekker A1 C Niek van Dijk A1 Rover Krips A1 Masja C M Loogman A1 Milan L Ridderikhof A1 Frank F Smithuis A1 Sjoerd A S Stufkens A1 Evert A L M Verhagen A1 Rob A de Bie A1 Gino M M J Kerkhoffs YR 2018 UL http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/52/15/956.abstract AB This guideline aimed to advance current understandings regarding the diagnosis, prevention and therapeutic interventions for ankle sprains by updating the existing guideline and incorporate new research. A secondary objective was to provide an update related to the cost-effectiveness of diagnostic procedures, therapeutic interventions and prevention strategies. It was posited that subsequent interaction of clinicians with this guideline could help reduce health impairments and patient burden associated with this prevalent musculoskeletal injury. The previous guideline provided evidence that the severity of ligament damage can be assessed most reliably by delayed physical examination (4–5 days post trauma). After correct diagnosis, it can be stated that even though a short time of immobilisation may be helpful in relieving pain and swelling, the patient with an acute lateral ankle ligament rupture benefits most from use of tape or a brace in combination with an exercise programme.New in this update: Participation in certain sports is associated with a heightened risk of sustaining a lateral ankle sprain. Care should be taken with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) usage after an ankle sprain. They may be used to reduce pain and swelling, but usage is not without complications and NSAIDs may suppress the natural healing process. Concerning treatment, supervised exercise-based programmes preferred over passive modalities as it stimulates the recovery of functional joint stability. Surgery should be reserved for cases that do not respond to thorough and comprehensive exercise-based treatment. For the prevention of recurrent lateral ankle sprains, ankle braces should be considered as an efficacious option.