Sprains and strains can happen at any time. An accident or a wrong move during physical activities like sports can injure your body.
Most of the time, the pain will subside after a few days if there’s no severe damage like fractures. However, dealing with sprains or strains can still be uncomfortable. So, here are ways you can treat it:
Use A Splint
One way to address a sprain or strain injury during emergencies is by using a splint. It’s important to prevent sudden movements when there’s pain or swelling as it may aggravate the injury.
You can use a makeshift splint using a cloth and stick to keep a body part in place. Alternatively, you can try this to stabilize your injury. When applying a splint, you should be in a comfortable position. This way, you can safely administer first aid. You may also ask someone to lend you a hand.
Wrap the affected body part well to ensure you can’t move it until you receive medical attention. Also, you should avoid applying pressure as it may worsen your condition.
Use Cold Compress
A strain or sprain on your muscle or bones is commonly accompanied by swelling. It can restrict you from doing your normal activities and cause pain if you leave it alone. So, treating the swelling is advisable to help you recover faster.
One way to lessen and prevent your pain and swelling from worsening is by using a cold compress on the affected area as soon as you feel something wrong. You can apply ice on the affected area for about 15-20 minutes every few hours for the first few days after the injury.
Using a cloth or water-resistant packaging when applying ice is best since direct contact may damage your skin.
Visit An Orthopedic
If you’ve sustained sports-related injuries, it may be best to visit an orthopedic to ensure you don’t experience long-term effects. For instance, if you pull your back due to a sudden movement like playing sports, you may feel discomfort in your lower back.
And, if you don’t get it checked, it may worsen and affect your physical performance. Additionally, it may have more severe effects on your spine and require medical attention.
They can recommend treatments and medicines to help you cope with your sprain or strain and recover without problems. Also, it would help you maintain your mobility after your body heals. In some cases, you may need multiple sessions to address your injury. Hence, it would be best to ask your physician for the prescribed treatment for your condition.
Take Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Although a sprain is an injury that may require rest, it’s not easy to put your life on hold because of it. Sometimes, your only option is to continue your routine despite your health condition. However, dealing with pain can be overwhelming. Fortunately, you can minimize it by taking some medicine until you heal.
Some over-the-counter anti-inflammatory products like Ibuprofen or Naproxen work quickly to ease your pain. These generally have fewer side effects compared to corticosteroids. It means you can take them without any worries. In addition, they’re affordable, and the dosage instructions are easy to follow.
If you’re feeling discomfort in your joints or muscles, it’s best to drink medicine to feel better. Then, track your condition to check if it’s improving or not.
If the pain doesn’t subside even after taking an anti-inflammatory drug, it’s best to consult a doctor. There may be underlying problems like a hairline fracture that’s causing your discomfort.
Rest
Resting is one of the best ways to treat a sprain or strain. Since your body isn’t in its best condition, you should allow it some time to recover before you resume your daily routine.
For instance, if you have a sprained wrist or ankle, you should refrain from moving it too much or applying pressure on it for a few days. You can use a cast for your hand if you can’t avoid moving around. Also, you can walk with a crutch to lessen the weight you put on your injured ankle.
Once the pain subsides, you can try to move your body more to prevent it from feeling stiff. To can do stretching exercises like rotating your hand or foot to warm up your joints.
Doing this may help ease your pain and keep your body flexible. This way, you can go back to your daily activities without problems.
Final Thoughts
Sprains or strains are inevitable, especially when your routine or line of work requires you to perform various movements.
In case you sustain a minor injury on your body, it helps to know how to administer treatment to prevent your condition from worsening. For instance, following these tips can alleviate your pain and help you heal faster.