-IBIS-1.7.6-
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musculoskeletal system
Sprain/Strain
Integrative Therapies
Home Care
A sprain is caused by trauma to a joint and involves injury to a ligament. Depending on the degree of injury, the symptoms range from mild tenderness and swelling to severe pain and inability to move the joint.
Consult a physician to make sure there is no fracture.
THE FOLLOWING SUPPLEMENTS ARE USED FOR SPEEDING UP THE RATE OF HEALING, AND YOU CAN USE THEM UNTIL SYMPTOMS IMPROVE:
1. Vitamin C 1,000 milligrams every 2 hours for the first few days, then reduce to 3 times a day. If you suffer from kidney disease or have a tendency to produce kidney stones, do not use more than a 2,000 milligrams of vitamin C a day.
2. Bromelain 500 milligrams 4 times a day. This is an enzyme that has anti-inflammatory activity. It is better not to take it with meals.
3. Manganese 200 to 300 milligrams per day.
AS A PHYSICAL THERAPY MEASURE FOR A SPRAINED ANKLE, BACK, OR OTHER PART OF YOUR BODY:
Use the RICE treatment Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.
Rest As much as possible, rest the joint for 24 to 48 hours after the injury. This means no weight bearing on a sprained ankle and even bedrest for a severely sprained back.
Ice should be applied as soon as possible, within minutes. Protect the skin with a towel and apply ice packs 20 minutes at a time throughout the first 24 hours.
Compression Wrap a severe sprain with an ace bandage to prevent swelling. Make sure it is not so tight as to turn the ends of the fingers or toes blue. The bandage can be removed every few hours for icing.
Elevate the injured limb while resting.
After 48 hours if symptoms are still present, alternate hot compresses with ice, 3 minutes hot and 1 minute cold, for 15 to 20 minutes. Do this once or twice a day for as long as there is discomfort.
HOMEOPATHY:
Dissolve 3 pellets under the tongue of the appropriate homeopathic medicine as follows:
Arnica montana 12C: For all types of trauma, falls, or bruising. Every household should have this on hand for both children and adults. Take immediately after the trauma and then use 3 times a day for a few days while symptoms persist. Arnica also comes as an oil to be locally applied on the injured area if there is no broken skin. After Arnica, consider the following:
Ruta 12C: For weakness in the joint and a bruised feeling.Take 3 times a day while symptoms persist.
Rhus tox 12C: For stiffness and pain that feels a little better after moving around or limbering up. Take 3 times a day while symptoms persist.
Note: A wide range of homeopathic medicines can be helpful for individuals with strain or sprain injuries that are severe or slow to heal. Consultation with a health care professional trained in homeopathic prescribing will usually be the best way to select the correct medicine.
Clinic
Footnotes
BarShalom R, Soileau J. (eds.) Natural Health Hotline. Beaverton, OR: Integrative Medical Arts, 1991-1999.