This condition is usually caused by excessive immobilisation in ordinary cases giving rise to adhesions and matting of the parts, but it may be due to too early movements in cases associated with nerve lesion. Speaking generally it may be said that in simple sprains the discriminating use of massage and movement cannot be commenced too soon after the immediate effusion has ceased to increase; on the other hand, if nerve lesion with fain exists, rest is essential until the pain has passed away.