What is the treatment for strains & sprains?

What is the treatment for strains & sprains?

• A. Ice
• B. Heat
• C. Massage
• D. Medication

Answer: (A)

When a muscle or ligament is strained or sprained, controlling swelling and pain early on is the priority. Cold therapy, using ice, best achieves this because it constricts blood vessels, reduces inflammation, and helps numb nerve endings to lessen pain. The standard approach is to apply ice for about 15–20 minutes at a time, every 1–2 hours during the first day or two, with a cloth between the ice and the skin to prevent frostbite. Elevating the injured limb and applying light compression can further limit swelling. Heat isn’t used in the first phase because it increases blood flow and swelling, which can prolong recovery. Massage is more appropriate later in rehabilitation, once the acute swelling has subsided, to help restore flexibility and tissue function. Medications may help with pain, but they don’t replace the need to control swelling and begin gradual rehabilitation.

When a muscle or ligament is strained or sprained, controlling swelling and pain early on is the priority. Cold therapy, using ice, best achieves this because it constricts blood vessels, reduces inflammation, and helps numb nerve endings to lessen pain. The standard approach is to apply ice for about 15–20 minutes at a time, every 1–2 hours during the first day or two, with a cloth between the ice and the skin to prevent frostbite. Elevating the injured limb and applying light compression can further limit swelling.

Heat isn’t used in the first phase because it increases blood flow and swelling, which can prolong recovery. Massage is more appropriate later in rehabilitation, once the acute swelling has subsided, to help restore flexibility and tissue function. Medications may help with pain, but they don’t replace the need to control swelling and begin gradual rehabilitation.