Sprains and strains are due to muscles being pulled suddenly. The
joints get twisted and pain occurs. Sprain is stretching or tearing of
ligaments (these are bands of fibrous tissues that connect one bone to
another). They generally affect the ankles and knees. A strain involves
the stretching or tearing of muscles or tendons. Hamstring and back
injuries are some of the most common strains.
There is rapid
swelling when sprains occur. An injury is severe when the pain and
swelling is more. In the case of severe strain, the muscle or tendon is
torn apart or ruptured. It could cause a lot of bleeding, swelling and
bruising around the muscle, leading to malfunctioning of muscle. How to
get over these sprains and strains?
Home Remedies for Sprains and Strains
- Resting helps. One should avoid any kind of activity to allow the muscles to recuperate
- Ice pack helps to reduce the inflammation and swelling. Keep it on affected area for 15 to 20 minutes and repeat it every 2 to 3 hours to reduce the pain
- It is good to use compressions as they tighten the sprained or strained area to prevent further injury
- Keep the injured part elevated to decrease the swelling
- One can add pineapple to one's diet as it contains bromelain, an enzyme that helps in the healing process. It should be stopped if there is itching.
- One can take aspirin or ibuprofen for the swelling and pain
- The affected area can be massaged with comfrey oil or cream to lessen the pain
- To reduce swelling five drops of thyme oil diluted either in bathwater or some other oil can be used as a compress
- Arnica balm or ointment can be applied as cream or a compress on the affected area
- Horse chestnut gel can also be applied every two hours till the pain goes
Herbal Remedies for Sprains and Strains
- One can apply comfrey oil infusion on the affected area. Massage it well
- Thyme (5drops) in bath or diluted oil and can be used as a compress
- Arnica cream or compress
- St. John's Wort is also useful. Its oils and tincture can be used
One
can sprain or strain one's ankle or legs while playing games or while
exercising. There are remedies to treat these conditions. These are
within one's reach. Not very expensive either, but very useful as a
cure.
