Sprains can be discomforting, painful and is marked by symptoms such as inflammation and bruising. A sprain is when there is an injury to the ligament which cushions two bones, and usually occurs around the knee, ankle or wrist joints. Sprains if severe, show symptoms of a fracture and can be very painful especially with movement. Sometimes, sprains take as long as a broken bone takes to heal. It is therefore advisable to treat a sprain like a fracture in the initial doubtful phase.
First Aid for Sprains
Most often than not, a person is able to tell whether it is broken bone or simply a sprain. This also happens when a person has dealt with similar injuries in the past and is therefore familiar with the symptoms. If sure of a sprain, the injury should be treated in the following ways:
- Give the injured joint and limb some rest by making the person lie down
- Cool the area first and then apply ice to reduce swelling and pain
- Compress the injury by wrapping it with a gauze that will provide more support and comfort to the sprained area
- Raise the sprained joint to an elevated level to reduce the pain and swelling
- Get medical assistance immediately
Frozen peas or water soaked flannel can also work as cold compressors for sprains. Apply over the sprain for 2-3 minutes and remove when the material gets warm and repeat.