The effect of local cryotherapy on temperature changes in the ankle joint in individuals with chronic ankle instability

Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of local cryotherapy on temperature changes in the ankle joint. Additionally, a subjective assessment of joint function was performed in individuals with chronic ankle instability and in healthy controls. Materials and methods. The chronic ankle instability (CAI) group consisted of 10 participants, while the healthy control group included 22. In both groups, ankle joint temperature was measured at four time points: 10 minutes before testing, immediately before cryotherapy, immediately after the procedure, and 10 minutes post-treatment. Functional status of the ankle joint was assessed using the FADI-Q questionnaire. Results. The lowest temperature was recorded at the Achilles tendon during the first measurement, and the CAI group showed a higher Achilles tendon temperature before testing began. The experimental group scored lower on the FADI-Q questionnaire than the control group. Conclusions. 1. The CAI group exhibited higher temperature at the distal insertion of the Achilles tendon before the study began. 2. Ten minutes after the procedure, skin temperature had not returned to baseline values. 3. The FADI-Q questionnaire revealed that the group with chronic ankle instability rated their functional status lower.