Sprains are temporary dislocations of joints, especially the wrist and ankle, caused when a joint is violently stretched or twisted from exerting too much muscular effort such as lifting heavy weights. The first steps to treat a sprain are to raise the injured area, apply a cold compress or ice to reduce swelling, and bandage the area to provide support if walking is necessary to seek help.

1. WHAT ARE
SPRAINS?

2. SPRAINS
• Sprains are temporary dislocation of joints, especially the wrist and the
ankle. The bones are thrown out of place, but immediately spring back.
Sprains are caused by a violent stretching or twisting of a joint when a
person exerts much muscular effort, as when lifting heavy weights.
• The first thing to do in a sprains is to lift or raise the affected part. If it is
in the wrist, put the forearms in a sling. If in the ankle, make the patient
lie down and put pillows or a stool under his leg. Then apply cold water
compress or a bag filled with ice, or hold the injured part under a running
faucet for a considerable time or a necessary. When the ankle is sprained
and the patient finds it necessary for him to walk to seek aid, he should
bandage the sprained part before he attempts to walk. The bandage serves
as a temporary support. It is always applied with the shoe on.