How to take care of bruises, sprains and strains

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor I Do Van Manh - Emergency Medicine Doctor - Emergency Resuscitation Department - Vinmec Ha Long International Hospital.

For bruises, sprains and strains, the most commonly used measures are cold or ice packs, rest, and elevated legs. For wounds in special locations such as the head and eyes, it is necessary to apply the correct method of reducing swelling and pain to avoid complications.

Injury to a muscle or tendon (which attaches muscle to bone) is called a muscle strain. The sprain affects the ligament (the part that connects the end of one bone to another). Both injuries apply RICE care: rest, ice, compression, and elevation of the injured part.

2.1. Rest You need to put as little weight on the injured part as possible for a day or two. Crutches, canes, and walking shoes can be helpful in some situations. If the sprain or strain is severe, you may need physical therapy. You will be examined for the injury and advised on the best treatment plan. In any case, take it slow, avoid rushing to get active again.
2.2. Apply ice

To limit swelling and pain during the first 24 hours after a minor injury, apply cold for 20-30 minutes and then release for 20-30 minutes.
To avoid frostbite, you should use a bag of frozen peas or put ice cubes in a plastic bag wrapped with a towel. A menthol gel or spray can also help relieve pain.
Do not apply heat for the first 24 hours after an injury as it can make the wound more swollen. After the 24 hour period, you can apply heat to relax tense and painful muscles.
2.3. Compression For the first day or two after an injury, wrap a sprained or strained muscle with a bandage to reduce swelling and pain. Advice on usage and application will be provided by the doctor.
2.4. Elevation Elevation is elevating the injured area to reduce swelling. Try to keep the injured area higher than your heart if possible. If the wound is mild, use RICE for a week. If you still have severe pain and swelling afterward, this indicates a serious injury, seek medical attention immediately.
In addition, in some cases, you need to take the following measures to ease sprains and strains :
Splints, casts Perform exercises at home Physiotherapy Surgery in severe cases

Bruising occurs when small blood vessels under the skin burst. To reduce bruising, apply cold immediately after the injury, then raise the injured area above the heart if possible. Bruising usually lasts about 2 weeks. As they heal, they change color from red or purplish to slightly yellow. If the bruise is severe or painfully swollen, see your doctor.

For eye bruises, you should apply cold or ice for 20 minutes every hour when you wake up instead of wearing medical socks. See your doctor to check the severity of the wound.

The best way to reduce swelling and pain from minor head injuries is to apply cold or ice. Get help right away if you have any symptoms of bleeding in the head or face, severe headache or vomiting, unconsciousness, slurred speech, vision problems or pupils of the wrong size. evenness, trouble breathing, confusion, or convulsions.

If you have persistent pain, you can ask your doctor about over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers including pills, patches or assistive devices.

If a sprained knee or ankle cannot bear weight, a cane, crutch, brace or walking shoe is a good support. If you need a brace or walking aid, ask your doctor for advice on how to use it.
Patients with bruises and sprains need to apply pain-reducing methods to avoid pain and swelling. If using home remedies does not bring results, the patient should go to Vinmec International General Hospital to receive the best support.

Reference source: webmd.com