Sprains
Sprains
are overstretched or injured joint ligaments and muscle.
There are three grades of sprains: - Grade 1 sprains
are mild, without any ligament tears, and only mild
tenderness and swelling of the affected area.
- Grade
2 sprains involve partial tearing of the ligaments,
accompanied by obvious swelling, bruising, and difficulty
trying to use the joint normally, including bearing
weight.
- Grade 3 sprains involve a complete tear
of the ligament, long with pronounced swelling, extreme
bruising with hemorrhaging under the skin, joint instability,
and inability to use the joint at all.
Muscle
spasms can be a symptom of all grades of sprains, and
pain due to sprains usually increases when attempts
are made to move the involved joint.
What
To Consider
Grade 1 sprains can be treated using supportive elastic
bandages, tape, or therapeutic splinting to create immobilization,
and elevation, followed by very mild exercise.
Grade
2 sprains need to be immobilized for at least three
weeks, and require manual medicine and rehabilitation.
Seek immediate medical attention.
Grade
3 sprains require casts and, in some cases, surgery.
X rays are also usually necessary to rule out fractures.
Seek immediate medical attention.
Self-Care
Tips
Do
Immediately
For all grades of sprains, apply alternate
ice and moist heat to the affected area, alternating
between ice and heat for 20 minutes each, and starting
and ending with ice. Also elevate and immobilize the
joint. When the joint no longer hurts after use, and
after all swelling, bruising, and spasm is gone, begin
gentle mobilization exercises.
Diet
Eat an organic, whole foods diet with plenty
of fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole
grains.
Nutritional
Supplementation
Take proteolytic enzymes away from meal times on an
empty stomach to reduce swelling. Also take vitamin
C and bioflavonoids, along with calcium and magnesium
if muscle spasm is involved. The amino acids arginine
and glycine taken away from meals are also recommended
to speed recovery.
Aromatherapy
Make a cold compress with camphor, lavender,
chamomile, eucalyptus, or rosemary and apply over the
affected area.
Herbs
Combine equal parts of the tinctures of horsetail,
nettle, and willow bark and take one teaspoon of this
mixture three times a day.
Homeopathy
Useful homeopathic remedies are Arnica,
Arnica cream, and Ruta grav.
Hydrotherapy
Cold and hot packs applied for 20 out of each
hour for the first 24-36 hours can ease pain and speed
recovery time.
Juice
Therapy
Drink plenty of fresh, organic vegetable juices,
including beet, radish, and garlic. Dimethyl
sulfoxide (DMSO) applied topically is often helpful.
Caution
If your symptoms persist despite the above measures,
seek the help of a qualified health professional.
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