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How to Treat a Sprain During First Aid

Sprains are injuries to ligaments ranging in degree from a minor stretching to a serious tearing. Treat with "HI-RICE": hydration, ibuprofen, rest, ice, compression and elevation.

Things You'll Need

  • Hand Or Wash Towels
  • Bottled Water
  • Cold Compresses
  • Ibuprofen
  • Warm Compresses
  • Plastic Bags
  • Ice Packs
  • Ice packs
  • Plastic bags
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Instructions

  1. Assessment

    • 1

      Look at the injured area for the following signs and symptoms of a sprain: swelling, discoloration, pain, instability of the joint.

    • 2

      Look and feel for the following signs and symptoms of a serious sprain or fracture: inability to move the joint, severe pain, immediate and pronounced swelling, pain or tenderness at a particular point, obvious deformity, a popping sound at the time of injury.

    • 3

      Immobilize the injury and evacuate immediately if you suspect a fracture (see eHows on splinting). If you suspect a sprain, treat the injury with the following steps.

    Treatment

    • 4

      Hydrate: Encourage the injured person to drink plenty of fluids.

    • 5

      Administer ibuprofen to reduce swelling. Physicians generally recommend high doses of ibuprofen when treating athletic injuries, so consult a physician for dosage.

    • 6

      Rest the injured area by immobilizing or staying off of it.

    • 7

      Apply ice to the injury for 20 to 40 minutes every 2 to 4 hours for the first 24 to 48 hours after injury. Start the ice immediately after injury - the longer the period of time without icing, the longer the recovery period.

    • 8

      Wrap (compress) the area snugly with an elastic bandage, being careful not to cut off circulation. This will help prevent further swelling.

    • 9

      Elevate the injured area above the heart. This will help reduce swelling.

    • 10

      Let the injury rewarm for 10 or 15 minutes and assess the pain and swelling after 20 to 40 minutes of HI-RICE. If you don't see improvement within 24 hours, splint the injury and evacuate (see eHows on splinting).

    • 11

      Apply heat after three days to hasten mobility if improvement is rapid.

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