126 patients with a lateral ankle sprain were randomized to receive either compressive or noncompressive (placebo) stockings. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of compressive stockings by evaluating the amount of time for the patient to achieve pain-free, normal walking. The difference in time to normal painless walking was not significantly different between groups: a median 13 days (10-18) with compressive stockings and 21 days (16-24) with noncompressive stockings. A sub-group analysis of participants that were regularly involved in sport indicated that time taken to return to sport was significantly shorter with compressive stockings versus noncompressive stockings.