%D 2004 %0 ARTICLE %T Low-level laser treatment can reduce edema in second degree ankle sprains . %J %V 22 ( 2 ) %P 125-8 %A Stergioulas A %M pub15165387 %X OBJECTIVE : Low-level laser therapy ( LLLT ) has been used for the last few years to treat sports injuries . The purpose of this study was to compare three therapeutic protocols in treating edema in second degree ankle sprains that did not require immobilization with a splint , under placebo-controlled conditions . MATERIALS AND METHODS : Forty-seven soccer players with second degree ankle sprains , selected at random , were divided into the following groups : The first group ( n = 16 ) was treated with the conventional initial treatment ( RICE , rest , ice , compression , elevation ) , the second group ( n = 16 ) was treated with the RICE method plus placebo laser , and the third group ( n = 15 ) was treated with the RICE method plus an 820-nm GaA1As diode laser with a radiant power output of 40 mW at 16 Hz . Before the treatment , and 24 , 48 , and 72 h later , the volume of the edema was measured . RESULTS : A three by three repeated measures ANOVA with a follow up post hoc test revealed that the group treated with the RICE and an 820-nm GaA1As diode laser presented a statistically significant reduction in the volume of the edema after 24 h ( 40 . 3 +/- 2 . 4 mL , p < 0 . 01 ) , 48 h ( 56 . 4 +/- 3 . 1 mL , p < 0 . 002 ) , and 72 h ( 65 . 1 +/- 4 . 4 mL , p < 0 . 001 ) . CONCLUSIONS : LLLT combined with RICE can reduce edema in second-degree ankle sprains .