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Don’t
strain that sprain any more
An ankle sprain? Or any other musculoskeletal injury?
It is better to be aware of the first aid measures you should take
especially if you are involved in sports.
- Protect yourself from further injury. Spraying
pain killers and returning to the field immediately after the
injury will cause more serious injury.
- Rest. Continued activity causes further injury
and swelling. Do not put weight on the affected joint. If the
injury is in the arm, support the arm with the other hand.
- Splinting the affected part allows it to rest
and reduces pain.
- Ice helps. Never expose skin directly to ice,
but wrap it in a pack and keep over the injured area.
- Apply ice for not more than 15 to 20 minutes
at a time. You can apply it for 10 to 15 minutes every hour for
three days to help reduce the swelling. If the swelling persists
even after that you can apply ice for 15 to 20 minutes three times
a day.
- Apply elasticized bandages, compression sleeves
or cloth to the injured part and wrap it firmly. Compression reduces
swelling around the injury. However, do not bind it too tightly
for it can cause more harm than good.
- Elevate the injured part above the level of
the heart using pillows as props.
- Take simple pain killers like paracetamol,
two tablets six hourly (for an adult) to alleviate pain.
- Do not massage the area or apply heat within
the first three days.
- Remember these are only first aid measures
and not substitutes for proper medical advice.
Appropriate advice from a sports physician is
necessary since some injuries can have permanent or long term impact
on your performance.
-Melanie Amarasooriya
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