Safety At Home
First AidStrains & Sprains
[st_box title=”INFO” type=”info”]It can be difficult to tell whether the injury is a fracture, dislocation, sprain or strain. If in doubt, always treat as a fracture. [/st_box]Signs & symptoms
Sprain
- intense pain
- restricted mobility
- rapid development of swelling and bruising.
Strain
- sharp, sudden pain in region of the injury
- loss of power
- muscle tenderness.
What to do
1. Follow DRSABCD.
2. Follow the RICE management plan:
- REST the patient and the injured part.
- Apply ICEPACK (cold compress) wrapped in a wet cloth to the injury for 15 minutes every 2 hours for 24 hours, then for 15 minutes every 4 hours for 24 hours.
- Apply COMPRESSION elastic bandage firmly to extend well beyond the injury.
- ELEVATE the injured part.
3. Seek medical attention if no improvement.