Sprains: Cures
January 13, 2012
If your primary care physician has diagnosed you with a joint sprain he or she has a variety of treatment options available to help you overcome this injury. In the instance of major ligament damage your primary care physician will refer you to an orthopedic surgeon who will surgically repair your damaged ligament; in most other cases they will treat you themselves using a combination of methods. These methods include rest, immobilization, ice packs, pain medication, compression, physical therapy and elevation.
Ice packs and cold therapy are important in the hours immediately following the injury. These measures reduce the swelling in your joint. By reducing swelling in the injured area ice packs also relieve pressure placed on neighboring anatomic structures.
Many healthcare professionals recommend including pain killing medication in the treatment of sprains. These medications not only reduce the discomfort associated with sprains but they can also reduce the swelling at the injury sight. Ibuprofen (Advil) and Tylenol (acetaminophen) are commonly used drugs. Following surgery or serious injury your doctor may prescribe more potent pain medication.
Compression with elastic bandages is also used to prevent and reduce swelling in the effect area. Elastic bandages are also used as a form of immobilization. This helps prevent further aggravation of the injury through movement of the joint.
In cases of moderate sprains your primary care physician or other healthcare professionals sometime place splints or braces on the injured joints. Splints and braces help you walk and perform day to day activities while keeping your joint immobilized, supported and preventing further damage.
Physical therapists are another group of healthcare professionals that may be involved in helping you overcome a sprain. Physical therapy is used in combination with surgery and without it to strengthen the muscles surrounding your joint. These exercises and procedures help your muscles become more active in supporting your joints.
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