TREATING A SPRAIN

Sprains and minor injuries are an annoying — and painful — part of life. Doing warm-ups and stretches can help prevent these injuries, but since sprains are one of the most common physical injuries, everyone will still get a sprain every now and then. Luckily, the recipe for treating a minor sprain is simple. You can use the acronym RICE to remember what to do:

• Rest: Don’t use your injured body part more than you need to until you feel better.  
• Ice: Put ice on a sprain or injury to reduce the swelling and numb the pain naturally.
• Compression: Put pressure on the injury to limit the amount of swelling.
• Elevation: Position the injured body part above the rest of your body. This also prevents swelling.

Sprains and other small injuries should improve within 24-72 hours. If you’re still dealing with swelling or lots of pain after that period, you should speak with a doctor. 

Question

• What are some things you currently do to prevent sprains and other minor injuries on the job? 
• What is your go-to solution when you have a sprain or other minor injury? Is it a healthy solution that helps you heal, or do you just try to numb the pain?

Resource 

https://www.brmh.net/services/orthopedics/athletic-training/how-to-treat-minor-injuries/