Sprains & Strains
Sprains & Strains
A sprain is damage to a ligament. A strain is damage to a muscle or muscle attachment. Signs, symptoms and immediate treatment are the same for either.
Signs & Symptoms
- Pain
- Loss of power
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Tenderness
Treatment
Use the RICE acronym for a simple reminder for the treatment of sprains and strains.
Rest – Rest the injury and protect from further harm. Stop undertaking the activity if the injury is sports related.
Ice – Apply an ice pack to reduce pain and swelling. Do not place ice directly in contact with the skin, use a damp tea towel or similar between the ice and skin. Apply ice for a maximum of 20 minutes.
Comfort – Ensure the injury and casualty is comfortable. Use padding and support as needed. Applying a compression wrap is not first aid treatment and should be avoided.
Elevation – Raising the injured limb can help reduce swelling.
Seek medical attention to rule out broken bones via an X-ray.
