Sprain: First aid (2024)

FAQs

What is the first aid step for sprain? ›

First aid for sprains or strains

Rest the injured area. Put icepacks on the area for 20 minutes every 2 waking hours, separated from the skin by wet towelling. Compress or bandage the injured site firmly, extending the wrapping from below to above. Elevate (raise) the injured area above heart height whenever practical.

Definition. A sprain is an injury to the ligaments around a joint. Ligaments are strong, flexible fibers that hold bones together. When a ligament is stretched too far or tears, the area around the joint will become painful and swell.

How do you use RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation)? As soon as possible after an injury, such as a knee or ankle sprain, you can relieve pain and swelling and promote healing and flexibility with RICE—Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.

How long it takes for a sprain or strain to heal. After 2 weeks, most sprains and strains will feel better. Avoid strenuous exercise such as running for up to 8 weeks, as there's a risk of further damage. Severe sprains and strains can take months to get back to normal.

Put only as much weight on your foot as is comfortable at first. Slowly work your way up to your full weight. If your ankle begins to hurt, stop and rest.

Rest: Rest the injured part until it's less painful. Ice: Wrap an icepack or cold compress in a towel and place over the injured part immediately. Continue for no more than 20 minutes at a time, four to eight times a day. Compression: Support the injured part with an elastic compression bandage for at least 2 days.

A sprained ankle is a common injury that occurs when the ankle ligaments are torn or stretched too far, often after a fall, or if you roll or twist your ankle. The majority of sprains heal on their own but treatment to strengthen the injured muscles can prevent future sprains.

A strain is when a muscle is stretched too much and part of it tears. It is also called a pulled muscle. A strain is a painful injury. It can be caused by an accident, overusing a muscle, or using a muscle in the wrong way.

For immediate self-care of a sprain, try the R.I.C.E. approach — rest, ice, compression, elevation: Rest. Avoid activities that cause pain, swelling or discomfort.

What is the first aid treatment for muscle sprain? ›

Rest the patient and the injury. Apply an icepack (cold compress) wrapped in a wet cloth to the injury for 15 minutes every 2 hours for 24 hours and then for 15 minutes every 4 hours for 24 hours. Apply a compression elastic bandage firmly to the injury that extends well beyond the injury.

RICER first aid: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation, Referral

Too much swelling can cause more damage. Use RICER first aid for up to 72 hours after a sprain, strain or fracture. It can limit swelling and speed up recovery.

The RICE method still seems to be the standard, recommended approach for self-care after a minor injury such as a sprain, strain, or pulled muscle. But there are many doctors and other health professionals who advise against using the RICE method.

Start by applying ice for 15 to 20 minutes. Do not ice for more than 20 minutes at a time. Over-icing can lead to stiffness and poor circulation. Allow 30 to 40 minutes between each time you ice your injury.

Start where your toes meet the body of your foot. Hold the loose end of the bandage at the side of your foot. Wrap the bandage around the ball of your foot once, keeping it somewhat taut with a light pull. After this, slowly start circling your way around the arch of the foot.

Treatment for a sprained wrist includes a mix of rest and restoration of the ligament's range of motion. Typically, the RICE approach—rest, ice, compression, and elevation—is advised in the first 24 hours following an injury to reduce swelling and protect the ligaments from further damage.