Page 17 - C.Journal 4th edition

Claims Journal 4th Edition Claims Journal 4th Edition

Medical Whisper

Is it sprain or strain?

Strain happen when you injure a muscle or tendon – the fibrous
tissue that attaches muscle to bone. Sprains occur
when you hurt a ligament, which connects the end of
one bone to another.

For both injuries, the answer is often RICE:

Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.

Compression of an injury can help keep swelling down. For the first day or two after an
Rest is one key to help heal everyday strains and sprains. Depending on where the injury injury, wrap a sprain or strain in compression bandages. Your doctor can give you advice
is, you may need to keep weight off it for a day or two. Crutches and canes can help in on which compression aid to use and how to apply it.
some situations. If your sprain or strain turns out to be severe, you could need physical
therapy. Elevating your injury helps reduce swelling, so try to keep the injured area higher than
your heart, if possible. Gravity helps reduce the swelling and relieve pressure. Call your
doctor if pain is severe, you cannot put weight on a leg or ankle, or if there is any numb-
Ice helps prevent swelling and pain. So for the first 24 hours after a minor injury, apply ness weakness, or unstable joints.
a cold compress for 20-30 minutes. Don`t apply heat in the first 24 hours, it may make
swelling worse. Later, heat can be used to relax muscles and ease pain. Chances are good your doctor will prescribe rest, ice, compression, and elevation for a
minor bump, bruise, sprain, or strain. However, if you have lingering pain, talk to your
doctor about over-the-counter or prescription relief that may include pills, patches, or
assistive devices.

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