First Aid For
Strains and Sprains

This page is available as a PDF download.

You will need Adobe Reader to view this file. You can get it free here.

Can you tell the difference between a strain and a sprain? Are they interchangeable? Well, there is a difference but the treatment is basically the same.

A strain is when muscle becomes over stretched or tears. It is also called a "pulled muscle".

A sprain is when ligaments are stretched to far and cause pain and swelling in a joint such as when you "twist your ankle".

Treatment

• Apply ice immediately to reduce swelling. DO NOT apply ice directly to the skin wrap it in a towel first.
• Wrap the affected area in an ACE bandage. DO NOT move the injured body part more then is absolutely necessary. If the injury is severe you can use a splint.
• If possible elevate the injured limb above the heart.
• Rest for several days. Keep off the injured limb until pain subsides 7 to 10 days for minor injuries 3 to 5 weeks for serious injuries.
• Heat can be applied the next day to aid healing. Use heat sparingly for 10 minutes at a time.
• Give ibuprofen or other pain reliever for pain. DO NOT give aspirin to children

Get immediate medical help if...

• You suspect the bone might be broken.
• The joint appears misshapen.
• You hear a popping sound and immediate difficulty using the joint.
• You have extreme pain or discomfort that cannot be eased using the above methods.
• The swelling has not gone down in 2 days.
• You have signs of an infection ( fever, increased redness, sweating and swelling).
• The pain does not go away after several weeks.