How to Care for a Sprain

How to Care For a Sprain:

So. yea.. just like my previous hub, I do have experience will all sorts of injuries - thanks to my clumsy nature and the fact that my son has also aquired that gene from me. Just this summer alone my son has had 2 sprains (thanks to our dog for digging holes in the yard). And I've had one, while mowing the lawn (thanks again Spike!).

Let me explain what a sprain is. Sprains are painful injuries to the joints as a result of partial or complete tearing of ligaments. (yeah.. ouch!)

So here we go, if you find yourself with a sprain this summer.. here's what you can do to aleviate the pain and get back on your feet again.

• For the first 24 hours, keep the injured limb raised on 2 pillows while lying down.
• Apply ice bags about every 2 hours for 20 to 30 minutes, while awake, to the injured area for the first 24 hours. You should probably place the ice in a plastic baggy and then put a towel over it, do not touch ice to the skin you can get frostbite.
• Take Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) every 3 to 4 hours for pain. These two medications can be taken together in normal dosages.

I am not a doctor, so if you're still in a lot of pain after you try these steps, I suggest seeing your doctor because you could have seriously injured yourself. Persistant pain and swelling could mean that you have a hairline fracture, which is the same thing as a broken bone.

Be safe, but have fun!