Study suggests cast for sprained ankle

February 13, 2009 A new study finds people with a sprained ankle recover faster if they are given a plaster cast. That's at odds with general medical opinion that the best thing for a sprained ankle is to keep it moving.

Sprained ankles are commonly treated with ice, elevation and a bandage, along with the advice to exercise. But this study in The Lancet found that was consistently the worst treatment possible.

Some experts think this study will force doctors to change their traditional practices.