Strains and sprains are among the commonest accidents, particularly after bodily exercise or accidents.
Muscle mass are hooked up to bones by tendons; ligaments join bone to bone. A pressure is an overstretched or torn muscle or tendon. A sprain entails harm to a ligament, often within the ankle, wrist, or knee. Each kinds of accidents may cause ache, swelling, stiffness, and issue transferring. Whereas many instances of muscle pressure or sprain are minor, understanding when to deal with at house and when to hunt assist is essential. Your pharmacist can assess the damage—and in lots of provinces, can prescribe remedy when applicable.
One thing you possibly can strive at house for consolation is both ice or warmth. Realizing when to make use of every is essential to your restoration.
A typical method for treating strains and sprains is RICE remedy: relaxation, ice, compression, and elevation. That is most helpful for the primary 72 hours (3 days) after damage.
- R – Relaxation the injured space for the primary 24 hours then progressively enhance motion.
- I – Ice for as much as half-hour, 3 to 4 instances per day for the primary 48 to 72 hours (2-3 days). Don’t apply ice on to the pores and skin, wrap ice in a skinny towel to forestall frostbite.
- C – Compression with an elastic bandage for the primary 24 hours minimizes swelling. Be sure that the bandage just isn’t too tight and doesn’t minimize off circulation.
- E – Elevation above coronary heart stage to scale back fluid construct up and swelling on the website.
Warmth remedy might be helpful after 48 hours (2 days). Apply a heating pad, or warmth pack wrapped in a skinny towel, to the world for 20 to 30 minutes each 2 to 4 hours, as wanted. Don’t mix with ache relieving gels or lotions as it might probably injure the pores and skin.
Q: I went kayaking all weekend and now I’ve sharp ache in my shoulder and decrease again. I feel I pulled a muscle. Can a pharmacist assist?
A: Sure. This appears like a typical muscle pressure, or pulled muscle, from overuse. Your pharmacist can assess the damage and, if applicable, prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs or suggest non-prescription drugs. They could additionally suggest a topical ache reduction gel, gentle motion workouts, and recommendation on when to change from ice to warmth.
Q: I twisted my ankle mountain climbing yesterday—it’s swollen however I can nonetheless stroll. Ought to I am going to the walk-in clinic or begin with my pharmacist?
A: Begin together with your pharmacist. It would prevent a visit to the physician or lengthy waits at an pressing care middle or emergency room. Your pharmacist can assess the severity of the sprain, suggest compression wraps, reusable ice packs, oral or topical remedies, and monitor your restoration. If wanted, they could additionally prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs. They could refer you to a health care provider if wanted for additional evaluation.
Q: I fell off my bike at present and my wrist actually hurts. It’s swollen and painful. Do I’ve to go sit within the emergency division on the hospital all day?
A: Possibly not. For those who suspect it’s damaged, then sure, go to the hospital. Nonetheless, if you’re undecided cease on the pharmacy first. Your pharmacist can consider your damage for indicators of a fracture, resembling swelling, deformity, or issue transferring the wrist. They’ll present ache reduction strategies like ice packs, suggest supportive braces or wraps, and will prescribe drugs or counsel non-prescription remedies for ache reduction and swelling. If a break is suspected, they’ll suggest pressing medical look after additional evaluation and a attainable x-ray.
Your pharmacist can present:
- Evaluation of your damage
- Ache reduction: prescription or non-prescription remedies
- Compression wraps, braces, ice/warmth packs
- Skilled recommendation on restoration and when to hunt additional care
Injured? Begin together with your London Medication pharmacist! Name forward or drop-in to your native London Medication for handy, efficient care and therapy.
