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First Aid & Emergencies

Call 911 NOW if you are having:

  • Chest Pain
  • Difficulty Breathing
  • Severe Bleeding
  • Sudden Weakness or Numbness
  • A Medical Emergency
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Sprains and Strains Treatment

1. Control Swelling With RICE Therapy

  • Rest the sprained or strained area. If necessary, use a sling for an arm injury or crutches for a leg or foot injury. Splint an injured finger or toe by taping it to an adjacent finger or toe.
  • Ice for 20 minutes every hour.
  • Compress by wrapping an elastic (Ace) bandage or sleeve lightly (not tightly) around the joint or limb.
  • Elevate the area above heart level.

 

2. Manage Pain and Inflammation

  • Give an over-the-counter NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or aspirin. Do not give aspirin to anyone under age 18.

 

3. See a Health Care Provider

All but the most minor strains and sprains should be evaluated by a health care provider. Consult a health care provider as soon as possible if there are symptoms of a possible broken bone:

  • There is a "popping" sound with the injury.
  • The person can't move the injured joint or limb.
  • The limb buckles when the injured joint is used.
  • There is numbness.
  • There is significant swelling, pain, fever, or open cuts.

 

4. Follow Up

  • Continue RICE for 24 to 48 hours, or until the person sees a health care provider.
  • The health care provider may want to do X-rays or an MRI to diagnose a severe sprain or strain or rule out a broken bone.
  • The health care provider may need to immobilize the limb or joint with a splint, cast, or other device until healing is complete.
  • In severe cases, surgery may be needed.

 

WebMD Medical Reference

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Reviewed by Andrew Seibert, MD on October 03, 2011
© 2011 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

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