Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: The first steps of the treatment
• Method 2 of 2: Get medical attention
• Necessities

With a sprain, the ligaments around your joints are stretched or torn. Ligaments are solid bands of connective tissue that hold the bones in your joints in place. Sprains can cause a lot of pain, swelling, discoloration and a lack of mobility. Ligaments in joints heal quickly and a sprain usually does not require surgery or other intensive medical care. However, it is important to properly treat the sprain by using first aid techniques so that the injury will heal more quickly.

To step

Method 1 of 2: The first steps of the treatment

1. Use the RICE method recommended by first aid professionals. RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. Make sure that every part of the RICE method is part of your treatment to recover in time and reduce the initial pain and swelling.
2. Rest the joint with the injury by not straining or using it unless absolutely necessary. Rest is an essential part of the healing process and is necessary to avoid unnecessary pain. If you have no choice but to use the joint (for example, when walking), you need to be very careful and use extra support.
   • Use crutches while walking if you have sprained an ankle or knee.
   • Wear a sling for arm or wrist sprains.
   • Wrap a splint around a sprained finger or toe and connect it to the adjacent finger or toe.
   • Do not avoid all physical activity because of the sprain, but avoid using the joint with injury for at least 48 hours or until the pain has subsided.
   • If sport is an important part of your life, you should discuss with your coach, trainer or doctor when you can start exercising again.
3. Cool the sprain with ice as soon as possible. Using a bag of ice or cold compress, you should cool the sprain for up to three days, until the swelling subsides.
   • Various items can act as a cold compress, such as: ice cubes in a plastic bag, reusable chemical cooling elements, a frozen towel, or even bags of frozen frozen vegetables.
   • Try to start ice treatment within thirty minutes of the injury, if possible.
   • Do not let the ice come into direct contact with the skin. You should use a towel or cloth to protect your skin tissue.
   • Cool the sprain every twenty to thirty minutes with ice or a cold compress during the day.
   • Remove the ice or cold compress after the treatment and allow your skin to return to normal temperature before cooling the area again.
   • Keep the ice or cold compress on the sprain until the area starts to hurt slightly and become numb. This will be the case after about fifteen to twenty minutes and will relieve the pain.
4. Wrap the sprain with a bandage or pressure bandage. This will protect the injury and provide it with support.
   • Wrap the compression bandage tightly around the joint, but not so tight that the limb becomes numb or tingling.
   • Use an ankle brace. A brace may be more effective than a bandage or pressure bandage.
   • Try to use a bandage or pressure bandage made of elastic material for optimal support and flexibility.
   • You could use supportive sports tape as an alternative to a bandage or pressure bandage, if necessary.
   • Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure about what type of bandage or bandage to use and how to apply it.
5. Hold the sprained joint above your heart, if possible. Keeping the limb elevated minimizes or prevents swelling. Try to keep the body part with the injury elevated for two to three hours a day.
   • Sit or lie down and place the injured knee or ankle on a pillow.
   • If you have a sprained wrist or arm, use a sling to hold the limb above your heart.
   • Try to sleep with your injured arm or leg placed on one or two pillows if you are able to.
   • Raise the part with the injury to the same level as your heart if it is impossible to keep it up further.
   • Watch out for numbness and tingling and move the joint with the injury if you notice this. Consult a doctor if you experience numbness and tingling for a long time.
6. Treat your injury with over-the-counter pain relievers. These can help relieve the pain and swelling caused by the sprain. However, you should avoid using aspirin as this pain reliever stimulates bleeding, which can cause complications and cause extreme skin discoloration. Look for NSAIDs (anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen (eg Advil) or Aleve. These agents are often recommended for their anti-inflammatory properties. You could also take acetaminophen for pain relief.
   • Consult your doctor or pharmacist for the correct dosage and the most effective product for you.
   • Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you can use such painkillers if you are already taking other prescription medications.
   • Follow the instructions in the package insert or on the package for the correct dosage and frequency.
   • Be aware of the possible side effects of over-the-counter pain relievers.
   • Use painkillers in conjunction with all aspects of the RICE method.
7. Try to combat the pain with homeopathic treatments. While such treatments have not been scientifically shown to help reduce pain, many people benefit from such treatments.
   • The spice called turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Mix two tablespoons of turmeric with one tablespoon of lime juice and a little water until a paste forms.Then apply this to the joint with the injury and then put on a bandage for a few hours.
   • Buy magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt or Epsom salt) from a pharmacy. Mix a cup of magnesium sulfate with warm water in a bath or bucket, let it dissolve completely in the water, and then hold the joint with the injury in the mixture for thirty minutes. Do this several times a day.
   • Apply arnica ointment or cream (available from pharmacies) to the joint with the injury to reduce inflammation and swelling and promote blood flow. Apply a bandage after applying the ointment or cream.
8. Avoid certain activities that could cause further problems. Within the first 72 hours of being injured, it is extremely important to exercise caution.
   • Stay away from hot water, so do not take a hot bath, do not step in a hot shower, do not go into a bubble bath, do not go to the sauna, and avoid using heat compresses.
   • Do not drink alcohol, as alcohol can make swelling and bleeding worse and slow down the healing process.
   • Temporarily avoid intense physical activities, such as running, cycling, and other similar sports.
   • Wait until the healing phase before getting massages, as massaging can cause swelling and bleeding.

Method 2 of 2: Get medical attention

1. See your doctor if the pain and swelling does not go away within 72 hours of the injury or if you notice symptoms that could indicate a fracture. Anything that indicates more serious injury than a simple sprain should be viewed by medical professionals.
   • Call medical assistance if the limb with the injury is unable to support any weight, as this could indicate a serious sprain or fracture.
   • Do not wait for the sprain to heal on its own. This is not worth the risk and the injury may be worse than you think.
   • Do not attempt to self-diagnose your injury.
   • Seek medical attention to avoid long-term pain and unnecessary discomfort. This will also help you avoid further injuries from the original sprain.
2. Try to determine if you have broken bones. Various symptoms could indicate a fracture and the person with the injury or the person providing assistance should take this into account. If you notice symptoms that could indicate a fracture, you should seek medical attention.
   • Try to identify any inability to move the injured joint or limb.
   • Keep a close eye on the joint with the injury and try to notice numbness, tingling, or extreme swelling as soon as possible.
   • Look for open wounds as a result of the injury.
   • Try to remember if you heard a noise that could indicate a fracture when you took the injury.
   • Examine the joint or limb for deformity.
   • Try to notice tenderness to a specific bone in the joint or significant bruising near the injury.
3. Examine the injury to see if you notice any signs of inflammation. Any sign of infection should be treated immediately to prevent it from spreading and making you sick.
   • Look for any open cuts or scrapes around the injury that could become infected.
   • Be careful not to get a fever within the first few hours or days of getting the injury.
   • Examine the joint or limb with the injury for signs of redness or red streaks on the skin near the site of the injury.
   • Try to feel with your hand if the area feels warm and if you notice increasing swelling. These are signs of infection.

Necessities

• Elastic bandage, pressure bandage or tape
• Brace or sling
• Ice or cold compress
• Crutches