First Aid & Emergencies

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.