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Treatment of sprains consists of controlling pain and swelling and immobilizing the injured joint to promote healing. Immediately after the injury, control swelling by elevating the joint above the level of the heart and by applying ice intermittently for 24 to 48 hours. To prevent a cold injury, place a towel between the ice pack and the skin.
Support the joint, using an elastic bandage. If the sprain is severe, immobilize the joint with a splint, and instruct the patient to stay off his feet (nonweight-bearing). Codeine or another analgesic may be necessary if the injury is severe. If the patient has a sprained ankle, he may need crutch gait training. Because patients with sprains seldom require hospitalization, provide patient teaching.
An immobilized sprain usually heals in 2 to 3 weeks, after which the patient can gradually resume normal activities. Occasionally, however, torn ligaments don’t heal properly and cause recurrent dislocation, requiring surgical repair. Some athletes may request immediate surgical repair to hasten healing; to prevent sprains, they may tape their wrists and ankles before sports activities.
Acute strains require analgesics and application of ice for up to 48 hours and then application of heat. Complete muscle rupture may require surgery. Chronic strains usually don’t require treatment, but heat application, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, or an analgesic-muscle relaxant can relieve discomfort.
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Effective treatment differs for sprains and strains.
Sprains call for control of pain and swelling and immobilization of the injured joint to promote healing. Immediately after the injury, elevating the joint above the level of the heart and intermittently applying ice for 12 to 48 hours controls swelling. A towel between the ice pack and the skin prevents cold injuries.
An immobilized sprain usually heals in 2 to 3 weeks, and the patient can then gradually resume normal activities. Occasionally, however, torn ligaments don’t heal properly and cause recurrent dislocation, necessitating surgical repair.
Some athletes may request immediate surgical repair to hasten healing; to prevent sprains, they may tape their wrists and ankles before sports activities.
Acute strains require analgesics and application of ice for up to 48 hours, then heat. Complete muscle rupture may require surgery.
Chronic strains usually don’t need treatment, but instead heat application, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (such as ibuprofen), or an analgesic-muscle relaxant can relieve discomfort.
Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
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