Herbal Pharmacist - For Better Health

Facts From Your Pharmacist: Sprains Strains and Fractures

At some time in your life you, or someone you know, will get a sprain or strain. You don't have to be an athlete to get injured; even the biggest couch potato can easily have what is often called a "sports Injury." The quicker you recognize and treat the problem correctly, the better chance you have to speed up the healing and lessen the pain. Better still, there are simple ways to help stop some injuries from happening.

What is the difference between a sprain, a strain, and a fracture?

Sprains are injuries to muscles, ligaments tendons, or other tissue around a joint. Severe sprains can easily be confused with a fracture. Strains result from over stretching, overusing, or pulling a muscle; A fracture is a broken bone. All of these injuries produce similar symptoms, such as swelling and pain, so all of them are treated in much the same way. Sometimes you may have all three types of injury at the same time.

It is important to see a doctor if you have a bad sprain or a fracture, so you can prevent more damage. You may have a fracture or a bad sprain if: there's a lot of swelling where you've hurt yourself; the hurt area is twisted or bent out of shape; if there's a bone poking through the skin; the injured area is black and blue; pain from the injury stops you from doing the normal things that you usually do with the particular area that's been hurt (for example, walking, bending the ankle, etc.). You might have a stress fracture if a particular area is continually painful and the pain gets worse when you use the sore area for more than a few days. A stress fracture is a tiny crack in a bone, which often happens when overusing a particular part of your body. People who jog or play basketball often get stress fractures in their feet. There may not be much swelling when you have a stress fracture.

What do I do if I have a fracture?

If you see a bone poking through the skin, you know the bone is broken. Often, you won't have such a big clue to the problem. So, to be on the safe side, assume any severe injury may involve a fracture. Splint the area that's hurt to stop movement, which may cause more injury. There are several ways to make a splint: tie or tape the injured part to something stiff (such as rolled up newspapers or magazines, a stick, cane, piece of pipe, etc.). Use a belt, rope, scarf, or whatever you've got that will work. Do not make the ties or tape so tight that you cut off blood circulation. Remember that you just want to keep the injured muscle or bone from moving around and causing more damage. Do not tie the splint on too tightly if the patient is a diabetic or has circulation problems. Use a splint that's long enough to go from the joint above the injury to the joint below. For example, if the injury is on your shin, the splint should go from a little below the ankle up to a little above the knee.

Also, you can tape a broken finger or toe to a finger or toe next to it. If the injury is on a hand or wrist, take off all rings or other jewelry immediately before the swelling starts.

What if the injury does not heal In a few days?

If you think a bone might be broken, or if the injury does not get better after 2 to 3 days of treating it at home, get medical care for the injured person as soon as possible,

Helping the injury heal (R.I.C.E. method)

Whether the problem is severe or mild, you should use the R.I.C.E. method and/or the M.S.A. method. Begin with the R.I.C.E. method: Rest the injured area for 2 to 4 days. Support it with a sling, crutches, or apply a splint. If the swelling or pain isn't gone after 2 to 4 days, see a doctor. An ice pack or a cold pack should be applied as soon as possible. Ice helps stop,the swelling and pain, make sure there's a piece of fabric between the skin and the cold pack or ice bag. Compression and elevation are also necessary to ensure that the swelling and pain will subside.

Caring for the injury

If you do not own an ice bag, you can make your own cold pack by putting a damp, folded towel in a plastic bag and putting the bag in the freezer, or by using ice cubes and cold water in a plastic bag. Frozen vegetables, fruit, or juice can be used, too. When they have defrosted, either eat them very soon or throw them away (otherwise, they will spoil).

Another way to make your own cold pack is to mix 1 part rubbing alcohol with 3 parts of water (i.e., 1 cup of rubbing alcohol with 3 cups of water). Pour this mixture into a strong plastic freezer bag, seal it well, and freeze it. Be sure to label this bag, so that no one tries to eat the contents.

For the first 72 hours, you can apply the cold pack for 10 minutes every hour. After 72 hours, leave the cold pack on for up to 20 minutes every 2 hours if there is still pain and swelling. Do not leave the cold pack on for more than 15 to 20 minutes at a time.

Compression helps keep the injured part from moving too much and helps to support it. Use an elastic bandage, such as an Ace Bandage, to wrap the area. Remember, do not wrap it so tightly that you cut off the circulation.

Elevation means raising the injured area by propping it up on a pillow when you're either sitting or lying down. If possible, keep the injured area at or above the level of your heart.

The M.S.A. method

Start using the M.S.A. method 2 to 3 days after the swelling and pain resolve. Move and stretch the area gently after 2 to 3 days. If you still feel pain, stop, and let the area rest a few more days before trying again. Slowly strengthen the area that was injured when the pain and swelling have gone. Alternate the activities that you did before, so that you're not using the injured area while it's still healing.

What if I am still experiencing pain?

You can use aspirin or ibuprofen to help decrease the pain or swelling. If you are still having a lot of pain or swelling after 2 days, make an appointment to see your doctor.

How do I avoid such injuries in the future?

You can avoid most sprains, strains, and fractures. Stretch and warm up before doing any exercising. Wear the proper shoes for the type of exercise you do. Don't exercise on concrete or other hard surfaces. Gradually increase the time spent performing an exercise. Do not do the same exercise every day; instead, alternate the types of exercise you do.

Pharmacy Times April 2000

Search MP3 Media Shareware Computers Usenet Health Politics Employment Sports Kids Business Education Sciences Entertainment The Web Powered by Everyone.net

Email Login Password New users sign up!

Information on this site is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professional. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. You should read carefully all product packaging. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

[ Home ] [ Up ] [ Avoiding Injury ]

Send mail to webmaster@rphweb.4mg.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2000 Herbal Pharmacist