I am reminded about my sister’s motorcycle accident last year. She almost broke her leg. Thanks God she only had sprain on her knee. It made her knee very swollen. The PRICE treatment did help. Now she is able to walk without any support.
“Sprain” is used to describe a wide range of injuries. But a true sprain involves damage to ligaments, the bands of elastic like tissue that support joints by connecting the bones. Sprains can often be treated with simple home-care measures. However, there are times you should see medical attention.
To treat a minor soft-tissue injury, remember the letters PRICE, which stand for Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation.
• Protection – protect your joint from further injury. An elastic wrap, brace, sling, air-cast, cane or crutches may help support the joint that cause pain or swelling.
• Ice – cold reduces swelling and inflammation, decreases muscle spasms and helps relieve pain.
Apply ice or an ice pack with a dry towel or a blanket for insulation. Apply ice for no more than 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. Don’t apply heat, which can cause more swelling. If you have vascular disease, rheumatism or decreased sensation, talk to your doctor before applying ice.
• Compression – this decreases bruising and swelling. Keep the joint wrapped until swelling subsides. Keep the wrap snug but not tight. Loosen if pain increases or you have numbness.
• Elevation – raising a swollen joint above the level of your heart reduces swelling. This is especially important at night.
Continue the PRICE treatment as long as it helps. You may want to take acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain or nonaspirin anti-inflammatory drug, such as ibuprofen (advil, motrin), for pain and inflammation (aspirin may slightly increase risk of bleeding).