Nonsurgical treatment of ankle sprains using the modified Sarmiento brace.

The Sarmiento brace, originally designed by Dr. Augusto Sarmiento for treatment of tibial fractures, was used in this study as a nonsurgical treatment for ankle sprains. The brace allows sufficient immobilization of the ankle while leaving it accessible for local therapy. The fast relief of pain and early reeducation associated with our method permits a much more rapid resumption of normal physical activity. We have been using this method for 5 years and still remain firm believers in it.