Strains and Sprains - First Aid Treatment
Ligaments hold joints together and tendons attach the muscles to the bone. Strain is an injury to muscles and tendons Sprain is an injury to the ligaments surrounding a joint.
What to do
All are treated the same way and the way to remember is the pneumonic RICE
R - Rest the limb
I - Apply Ice to reduce swelling
C - Compressions with a crepe bandage
E - Elevate the limb to reduce swelling
Consider the mechanism that caused the injury, look for deformity, open wounds, tenderness, swelling, discolouration, bruising and loss of movement.
Stabilise and immobilise fractures in the position found.
Cover any open wounds with dry clean dressings, but do not apply pressure over possible fractures. There are many ice packs available, some you simply break in half and the provide instant ice, others are gel packs and they are put in the freezer.
What not to do
Break the RICE procedure as this will cause more pain and damage.
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