Sprain : First aid-Conditions-Prevention
What is Sprain: First aid?
A sprain is a common injury that occurs when the ligaments, which are bands of tissue that connect bones to each other, are stretched or torn. Sprains typically happen during physical activities or sports that involve sudden twists, turns, or impacts. The most common areas affected by sprains are the ankles, wrists, and knees. When a sprain occurs, it can result in pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the affected joint.
Sprain: First aid is a medical procedure that is specifically aimed at providing immediate relief and care for individuals who have sustained a sprain injury. A sprain occurs when the ligaments in a joint are stretched or torn, usually as a result of a sudden twist or impact. This can happen in various parts of the body, such as the ankle, wrist, or knee. When a sprain occurs, it is important to provide prompt and appropriate first aid to alleviate pain, reduce swelling, and prevent further damage.
Your ligaments are tough elastic bands that connect bone to bone. If you injure a ligament, it can be caused by tearing of the fibers in the ligament. A sprain is an injury to a ligament in which the ligament has a partial tear or it is completely torn apart.
An ankle sprain is the most common type of sprain. Wrist, knee and thumb sprains are also common. Sprains of ligaments often cause pain and swelling quickly. For most minor sprains, initial injury treatment should start as usual. You should do this yourself.
Symptoms of a sprain
intense pain
restricted mobility
swelling and bruising around the injury joint develops quickly.
Symptoms of a strain can include:
sharp, sudden pain in the injury region
loss of power
tender muscle.
First aid
- Rest Your doctor may recommend not putting any weight on the injured area for a few days so you can recover. A splint or brace may be helpful at first, but don't avoid all activity.Even if you have an ankle sprain, you can still exercise other muscles. For example, you can use an exercise bike with arm-mounted handles to work both your arms and the injured leg while resting the ankle on another part of the bike. That way, you'll still get some exercise. A cardiovascular exercise routine should include activities like running, biking, and swimming.
Ice Apply a cold pack to the area. Swelling may be reduced by taking a cold bath or using a compression sleeve filled with cold water. Try to ice the area as soon as possible after the injury and continue to ice it for 15 to 20 minutes at least four to eight times per day for the first 48 hours. Ice can help reduce swelling, but be careful not to use it for too long or it could cause tissue damage.
Compress the elastic wrap or bandage on the area that hurts. A compression wrap or sleeve made from elastic or neoprene is best for this.
ElevateIf you are injured, try to keep the injured area above your heart as low as possible to help limit swelling.
It can take days to weeks for a sprain to heal. As the pain and swelling decrease, you may begin using the injured area gradually. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil Motrin IB others) and acetaminophen (Tylenol others) may help manage the discomfort. It may hurt to heal.
It is important to restore strength and stability to the injured limb before returning to sports or fitness activities. A physical therapist can provide you with exercises that will help heal the injury and minimize the risk of it happening again. Injury can occur.
If you have a sprained ankle, see a doctor as soon as possible. A sprain can also lead to serious injuries, such as fractures. Be sure to follow the doctor's instructions if your ankle isn't improving after a few days.
Get emergency medical assistance if:
If you can't bear weight on the injured leg, it means the joint is unstable or numb. You may also not be able to use the joint. To go to the doctor, apply a cold pack to the injured area.
If you develop redness or red streaks surrounding the area of the injury, this may mean you have an infection.
You have pain in the area directly over the bones of an injured joint.
This area has been injured a lot in the past, and now it's been hurt again.
You have a sprained ankle. If you don't get help right away, your ankle may become unstable and you might experience chronic pain.