It is a universal experience. Perhaps you twist your ankle, strain your wrist in an attempt to keep from falling, or wrench your knee while working out. You suffer for some time and wonder exactly what should be done to alleviate the pain. If first aid is administered right away, the pain can be alleviated and the recovery time can be shortened.
The RICE method should be applied with great alacrity.
R is for Rest – Work the affected area as minimally as possible. That may be easier said than done if the ankle or knee is the affected area. Recuperation for the injured area will accelerate with less activity.
I is for Ice – An ice compress can serve as an emollient and a means to lessen swelling. Keep the ice on the afflicted area for 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
C is for compression – Wrapping an ace bandage around an injured area is referred to as compression. While it should be tight enough, it should still allow the blood to circulate properly.
E is for Elevate – Elevating the injured area so that it is above the level of the heart helps alleviate swelling. It is possible to elevate ankles and knees by lying down and utilizing a pillow. Arm and wrist elevation may be facilitated with a sling.
There are other effective methods of treating sprains and strains.
Use an anti-inflammatory medication. Some help can be obtained by using over-the-counter ibuprofen. Make certain that the instructions provided on the label are followed.
Sprains may also be successfully treated via aromatherapy. Try placing several drops of lavender, chamomile, or rosemary on a cold compress before applying it to the affected area. Helichrysum can serve as a topical anodyne for the affected area. It can also effectively lessen bruising.
A primary concern when treating sprains and strains is the speedy application of first aid. The sooner ice is applied to the injury and the affected area is elevated, the better.
If you think a bone is broken, obtain medical assistance. Check to see if blood is circulating and if the person can move the affected area. It is not always possible to tell if a bone is broken just by looking at the affected area. However, an x-ray will definitively indicate whether or not a fracture has occurred.
If you are uncertain about something, always obtain medical care. Your health care provider may be able to detect less visible problems, and lack of treatment may only exacerbate the injury.
Tags: alleviate pain, methods, Strains and Sprains, twist an ankle