SPRAINS

SPRAINS TIPS AND TREATMENT

 

All you did is step off the curb, twist your ankle a little and there you are, with an ankle swollen up to twice its size and too painful to walk.

A sprain is the wrenching of a joint with partial rupture or other injury to its attachments, and without dislocation of the bones. The signs of a sprain are rapid swelling, heat and disablement of the joint. The pain is usually great and increased by moving.

• Apply ice- packs to the area as soon as possible. This will aid in reducing the swelling and inflammation. Apply for 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off for the first 24 hours.
• Keep the limb elevated and rest the joint.
• It is best to have an x-ray taken to be sure there is no fracture or broken bones.
• Do not apply weight or pressure.
• After the initial several days, you may use intermittent heat to speed healing.
• A poultice of turmeric and water can be applied to the area of the sprain under gauze dressing to reduce bruising and swelling.