Sprain
An overstretched and partly torn ligament, which holds bones together. It is more serious than a strain, which is simply an overstretching of any part of the musculature. Sprains and strains usually cause swelling, pain, and bruises around the injured area. After medical evaluation, most sprains can be treated at home.
If a sprain involves a child’s neck or back, he should not be moved unless the child is in imminent danger. Movement can cause serious nerve damage. If the child must be moved, the neck and back must be completely immobilized first and the head, neck, and back aligned.
Sprain vs. Break
It is sometimes difficult to tell the difference between a sprain and a broken bone. If there is any doubt, the child should be taken to the nearest hospital emergency department, where an X ray can identify a broken bone. A strain typically involves simple swelling, bruising, and pain. A possible broken bone should be suspected if a child heard or felt a bone snap, if the child cannot move the injured part, or if the injured part moves in an unnatural way or is very painful.
Treatment
First aid for sprains and strains includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation (known as RICE). As the injured part of the body is rested, ice packs or cold compresses should be applied for up to 10 or 15 minutes at a time every few hours for the first two days to prevent swelling. Wearing an elastic compression bandage (such as an ACE bandage) for at least two days also will help reduce swelling. Keeping the injured part above the level of the heart as much as possible is another good way to reduce swelling. Heat should not be applied in any form for at least 24 hours, because heat will increase swelling and pain.
A doctor may recommend an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil).
If a sprain involves a child’s neck or back, he should not be moved unless the child is in imminent danger. Movement can cause serious nerve damage. If the child must be moved, the neck and back must be completely immobilized first and the head, neck, and back aligned.
Sprain vs. Break
It is sometimes difficult to tell the difference between a sprain and a broken bone. If there is any doubt, the child should be taken to the nearest hospital emergency department, where an X ray can identify a broken bone. A strain typically involves simple swelling, bruising, and pain. A possible broken bone should be suspected if a child heard or felt a bone snap, if the child cannot move the injured part, or if the injured part moves in an unnatural way or is very painful.
Treatment
First aid for sprains and strains includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation (known as RICE). As the injured part of the body is rested, ice packs or cold compresses should be applied for up to 10 or 15 minutes at a time every few hours for the first two days to prevent swelling. Wearing an elastic compression bandage (such as an ACE bandage) for at least two days also will help reduce swelling. Keeping the injured part above the level of the heart as much as possible is another good way to reduce swelling. Heat should not be applied in any form for at least 24 hours, because heat will increase swelling and pain.
A doctor may recommend an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil).
