Cold Or Hot? Treating Strains And Sprains
LaurusHealth.com Gives Home Treatment Tips
(NAPSI)-Kids are getting ready for a season of running, skating, spiking, batting, dunking, bending and kicking. The result is often strains and sprains. Here's some advice on treating them.
Physicians at LaurusHeath.com, a consumer health information Web site, report that more than four million children are rushed to emergency rooms each year for treatment of sports-related injuries. According to Peter J. Plantes, M.D., medical director of LaurusHealth.com, parents and coaches can follow easy, quick recovery treatments on the sidelines and at home.
Dr. Plantes states that basic treatment for strains and sprains is a two-part process and easily remembered by the acronyms RICE and MSA. RICE-Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation-is the first step and treats the acute pain or injury. MSA-Movement, Strength and Alternate activity-heals the injury more completely and prevents further problems.
Here are Dr. Plantes' home care tips:
• Rest the injury by not putting weight on it for at least 24 to 48 hours.
• Use crutches, slings or taping a sprained finger or toe to a healthy one to support the muscle, ligament or tendon tissue.
• While heat feels nice, it does more harm than good. Use ice to reduce the pain and swelling during the first 24 hours.
• For a sprain or joint injury, use a compression sleeve or an elastic (Ace) bandage to immobilize the injury. Make sure it is not too tight or it will cause more swelling and could reduce circulation of blood.
• Elevate the injured area on pillows while ice is applied and any time the child is sitting or lying down. Anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen) may help ease inflammation and pain. Remember, do not give aspirin to children or teenagers.
• Begin the MSA process as soon as the initial pain and swelling have subsided. To begin the movement phase, begin moving the joint after one or two days of rest. Gentle stretching helps prevent scar tissue, which forms as the injury heals.
• When swelling subsides, begin gradual exercises to strengthen the injured area.
• Bleeding, continued pain, inability to move the joint and inability to bear weight on the injured limbs are all indications to see your physician.
A doctor should be called if the pain is still severe after two days of home treatment; your child cannot bear weight on a sprained ankle after 24 hours or if it hurts to bear weight after three days; and, if a sprain does not improve after four days of home treatment.
More information on sports injuries and home care tips can be found at www.LaurusHealth.com. LaurusHealth.com contains a "Sports Health" segment, a monthly feature on injury prevention and physical therapy.
