Sprains are caused by tearing of the fibers in the ligaments that hold the bones together. A sprain causes severe pain, swelling, discoloration, and limitation of movement. Ligaments within joints heal quickly, and sprains generally don't require surgery or other serious medical treatment. However, sprains must be treated properly using first aid techniques for a speedy recovery.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Initiating First Aid
Step 1. Use the RICE approach recommended by first aid experts
RICE is an abbreviation for rest (Rest), ice (Ice), compress (Compress), and elevate (Elevate). Combine all aspects of this treatment for a speedy recovery and less initial pain and swelling.
Step 2. Do not use the injured joint and allow it to rest, unless necessary
Rest is important for the healing process and avoiding additional pain from the injury. If you must use the injured joint, (eg to walk), do so with extra care with the help of extra support.
- Use crutches to walk if you sprain your ankle or knee.
- Wear slings for wrists and arms.
- Place the splint on the injured finger or toe and secure it with the finger next to it.
- You don't need to eliminate all physical activity due to a sprain, but try not to use the injured joint for at least 48 hours or until the pain subsides.
- If you compete in a sport, talk to your coach or doctor about when you can return to playing.
Step 3. Apply ice to the injured area as soon as possible
Use an ice pack or a cold compress, applying pressure to the injury site for 3 days until the swelling subsides.
- Use any form of frozen compress such as ice cubes in a plastic bag, an ice pack, a frozen towel, or even a bag of frozen vegetables.
- Give ice treatment for 30 minutes if possible.
- Do not apply ice directly to the skin. Wrap it in cloth first to protect your tissue.
- Repeat the ice pack every 20-30 minutes throughout the day.
- Take ice or an ice pack after the treatment and allow the ice to return to its normal temperature before the next treatment.
- Apply ice or cold compresses long enough so that the painful area begins to numb. The numbness usually lasts 15-20 minutes which helps with the pain.
Step 4. Compress the sprain with a plaster or bandage
This keeps the vedera area protected and supported.
- Wrap your joints tightly but not so tightly that your hands or feet go numb or feel tingly.
- Use an ankle brace, which may be more effective than a bandage or bandage.
- Look for an elastic bandage or bandage for maximum support and flexibility.
- Look for an athletic support tape to replace the bandage, if needed.
- Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure what type of plaster and how to use it.
Step 5. Elevate the sprained joint above the heart, if possible
This will reduce or prevent swelling. Try to keep the injured body part elevated for 2-3 hours each day.
- Sit or lie down with the injured knee or ankle raised on a pillow.
- Use a sling to raise the sprained wrist or arm above your heart.
- Sleep with the injured arm or leg on 1-2 pillows, if possible.
- Raise the injured area to heart level if it cannot be raised any higher.
- Watch for numbness or tingling that appears and realign the injured joint. Check with your doctor if this continues.
Step 6. Treat the injury with a commercial pain reliever
These medications can help with the pain and inflammation caused by a sprain. However, do not use aspirin as it can cause bleeding which can lead to complications and extreme discoloration of the skin. Look for an NSAID (nosteroid pain reliever) such as ibuprofen, or Aleve, which are usually recommended for sprains because they are anti-inflammatory. You can also use acetaminophen for pain relief.
- Consult your doctor or pharmacist regarding the most effective dosage and brand for you.
- Talk to your doctor about using painkillers if you are on prescription medication.
- Follow the dose and frequency of use of the drug on the product label.
- Be aware of the potential side effects of commercial pain relievers.
- Use pain relievers to complement RICE therapy.
Step 7. Treat pain with homeopathic treatments
Although this therapy has not been clinically proven to relieve pain, many people find it beneficial.
- Turmeric is known to have anti-inflammatory properties. Mix 2 tablespoons of turmeric with 1 tablespoon of lime juice and a little water until it becomes a paste and apply to the injured area, then cover it with a bandage for a few hours.
- Find Epson salt at your pharmacy. Mix a cup of salt with warm water in a tub or bucket. Let it dissolve, and soak the sprained joint for 30 minutes up to several times a day.
- Apply an arnica herb ointment or cream (available at pharmacies) to the injured joint to reduce inflammation and swelling and improve circulation. Wrap with a bandage after application.
Step 8. Avoid certain activities that can make the injury worse
During the first 72 hours after the injury, you need to be very careful.
- Avoid hot water. Do not bathe, bathe, compress, and sauna with hot water.
- Stop drinking alcohol, as it exacerbates swelling and slows recovery.
- Do not do strenuous exercise such as running, cycling, and other similar sports.
- Postpone massage until it is in the healing phase, as it can exacerbate swelling and bleeding.
Method 2 of 2: Obtaining Medical Treatment
Step 1. See a doctor if the injury doesn't improve after 72 hours or you have symptoms of a fracture
Anything more than a sprain should be checked by a doctor.
- Call for medical help if you are immobilized due to an injury, as this could be a sign of a severe sprain or fracture.
- Don't hold back. The risk is not worth it if the injury is more severe than expected.
- Do not self-diagnose the injury.
- Seek medical advice to avoid further injury and ongoing pain from the initial sprain.
Step 2. Record the symptoms of a fracture
Some of the following characteristics can be a sign of a fracture. Visit your doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms.
- Inability to move the injured joint or arm or leg.
- Watch for numbness, tingling, or extreme swelling in the injured joint.
- Look for open wounds associated with the injury.
- Remember if you heard a popping sound when you were injured.
- Watch for unusual joint or arm/leg shapes.
- Pay attention to specific bony areas of the joint that are sensitive to pain or are markedly bruised.
Step 3. Examine the injury for signs of infection
All signs of infection need to be treated immediately so that it does not spread and cause disease.
- Look for open cuts or skin abrasions around the infection-prone injury.
- Watch for fever within the first hour to the first day of your injury.
- Examine the injured joint or arm/leg for signs of redness or red streaks extending from the point of injury.
- Feel the area of the injury for warmth or swelling, which are common symptoms of infection.
