Sprain First Aid Treatment: Everything You Need to Know

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A sprain is also called a torn ligament, and it can affect one more ligaments in a joint. Among all of its kinds, ankle and knee sprain injuries are the most common. Some ligaments in your joints are stretched in mild cases or torn in severe cases, according to Foot Care MD.

If you've sprained your ligaments by accident, the best measure is to conduct first aid treatment immediately. Sprained ligaments are often painful and may cause swelling and redness on the affected areas. Most of the time, sprains do not require surgery but will need rehabilitation.

There are three types of sprains and these are categorized based on how badly the ligament has been affected, according to Patient.co.uk.

• Grade I - Mild stretching
• Grade II - Partial tear of the ligament
• Grade III - Severe or complete rupture of the ligament

Seek medical emergency if you feel that your joint is unstable, numb or can't be moved. This may indicate that the ligament was completely torn off. Apply a cold pack on your way to the hospital or clinic. If you have re-injured the area or have red streaks around the area, which is indicative of an infection, you should immediately seek medical treatment as well.

If you have minor sprain, it is best to start injury treatment by following the R.I.C.E. method, according to Mayo Clinic. Overtime, the damaged ligament will heal by itself.

1. Rest

Do not put any weight on the injured area for at least 48 hours after you sprained it. You may use a splint or brace to protect the injured area. This doesn't mean that you need to avoid any and all physical activity. You can still exercise your other muscle groups but make sure that the injured joint is resting.

2. Ice

Ice helps eliminate the swelling. Use a cold pack to ice the injured area as soon as possible and keep it for 15 to 20 minutes at four to eight times a day or until the swelling subsides. It is not recommended to directly use ice cubes on the sprain because it might cause tissue damage.

3.) Compress

Use a bandage or elastic wrap to compress the area.

4.) Elevate

Keep it elevated above your heart as much as you can to keep the swelling down.

During the healing process, you can also use oral pain killers like over the counter drugs such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Gradually use the injured area if the swelling and pain has subsided to reacquaint it to movement again.