1 Support injury
2Cool injury
3Apply compression
4 Elevate injury
Sprains and strains
SPINAL INJURIES • SPRAINS AND STRAINS
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Sprains occur when ligaments and other tissues that surround and support a joint are torn or stretched. A strain refers to muscles or tendons that are damaged or overstretched. Both injuries may lead to pain, swelling, deformity, and discoloration. Treatment follows the“ RICE” procedure: rest, ice( or cold pack), compression, and elevation.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
• Pain and swelling in the affected area
• Deformity and discoloration
TREATING SPRAINS AND STRAINS
1 Support injury
• Steady and support the injured part.
• For extra support, place the injured limb on your knee or in your lap.
2Cool injury
• Prepare a cold compress: either soak a washcloth or towel in cold water and wring it out lightly, wrap a towel around a packet of frozen peas, or fill a plastic bag with small ice cubes. Apply the compress to the affected area to reduce swelling, bruising, and pain.
• Do not apply ice directly to the skin, because this can burn it.
Use cold compress to reduce swelling
3Apply compression
• Place a thick layer of padding, such as cotton wool, around the injury.
• Secure the padding in place with a roller bandage( p. 62) to apply a gentle, even pressure to the injured area. Make sure that the bandage is not too tight( p. 61).
Secure padding with bandage
4 Elevate injury
• Raise and support the limb to help reduce bruising and swelling.
• Advise the victim to rest the limb and to see a doctor.
! Important
• When you apply compression, make sure that you do not obstruct the blood supply to the
tissues surrounding the injured area( p. 61).