Description: A strain (over stretched muscle), sprain (injured ligament/tendon), fracture (broken bone), or dislocation (end of bone pushed or pulled out of normal position) can occur from an injury.
Treatment: If pain is mild to moderate, basic treatment is RICE ( rest, ice, compression and elevation) which is started as soon as possible after an injury. Rest the injured area by avoiding use; apply a cold pack for 20 minutes 3 times daily to reduce swelling; compress the area by wrapping it with an elastic bandage but not too tightly; and elevate the injured limb using a pillow while sitting or lying. After 72 hours, apply moist heat by wrapping a damp towel around a heating pad or heated gel pack. Do this for 20 minutes, 3 times daily followed by range of motion exercises. If the injury is a muscle strain, gently massage the area. You can splint a sprained toe by taping it (with a piece of cotton in-between) to an adjacent toe. Ibuprofen may help reduce inflammation and pain.
Go to ER/Clinic:
-if rapid swelling and/or severe pain is present
-if tenderness over a bone indicates a possible fracture
-if the injured limb or joint is deformed
-if a bone is protruding through the skin
-if the limb turns white, cold or clammy around or below the injured area
-if treatment for mild/moderate sprain doesn’t improve the condition after a few days of self treatment
-if signs of infection occur: red streaks from the injured area; increase of pain, swelling, redness, warmth, or tenderness; pus around or from the injury; fever of 38C (100F) or higher with no other apparent cause