Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
and pull firmly upward, slowly twisting the leg a little to the right and left until the
hip pops back into place. It takes considerable force to counteract the strong thigh
muscles. After reduction, splint the injured leg to the other leg.
Sprains and Strains
Sprains
Sprains are injuries to the joints, usually accompanied by soreness and swelling, which indic-
ates that internal tissues have torn. Severe sprains can be more debilitating, more painful, and
take longer to heal than simple fractures. Standard treatment is covered by the acronym
RICE—rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Stay off the injured limb. Apply cold compresses
for the first 24 to 48 hours. Do not apply ice directly to the skin, but insulate ice packs with a
towel or folded cloth. After two days, massage and hot soaks (or alternating hot and cold soaks)
will boost blood circulation and speed healing. Elevating the limb and compressing the area
with a snug Ace bandage wrap will help control swelling. Tincture of
Arnica montana
and
Traumeel cream, a homeopathic remedy, will usually promote and accelerate the body's natural
healing processes. These remedies are also good for bruises and most other traumatic injuries.
Immobilization is key to treating severe sprains and connective tissue tears. It used to be
that doctors jumped in right after a serious tearing injury with invasive surgery to reconnect
torn ligaments and tendons using pins, stitches, and staples. Years later, these artificial connec-
tions tend to cause problems with arthritis and joint degeneration. Researchers have found that
the natural intelligence of the body's healing mechanisms usually does a better job of recon-
necting these tissues, provided that the injury is immobilized for an appropriate period of time.
