First Aid - Dislocation, Sprains & Ligaments

DISLOCATIONS

(BONES THAT HAVE COME OUT OF PLACE AT A JOINT)

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS:

1) Strong pain in the articulation at the time of the accident.
2) A limb is deformed in case of sprains.
3) Swelling which manifest itself quickly.
4) Pain increase while moving the articulation.

FIRST-AID:

Give same care as broken bone because it is difficult to differentiate the nature of the dislocation. The luxation or dislocation is displacement of bone's articulation.

Three important points of treatment:

• Try to put the bone back into place. The sooner the better!
• Keep it bandaged firmly in place so it does not slip out again (about a month).
• Avoid forceful use of the limb long enough for the joint to heal completely (2 or 3 months).

HOW TO SET A DISLOCATED SHOULDER:

Have the injured person lie face down on a table or other firm surface with his arm hanging over the side. Pull down on the arm toward the floor, using a strong, steady force, for 15 to 20 minutes. Then gently let go. The shoulder should pop back into place.

Or attach something to the arm that weighs 10 to 20 lbs. (start with 10 lbs., but do not go higher than 20 lbs.) and leave it there for 15 to 20 minutes.

After the shoulder is in place, bandage the arm firmly against the body. Keep it bandaged for a month. To prevent the shoulder from becoming completely stiff, older persons should unbandage the arm for a few minutes 3 times a day and, with the arm hanging at the side, move it gently in narrow circles.

If you cannot put the dislocated limb back in place, look for medical help at once. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to correct.

STRAINS AND SPRAINS

(BRUISING OR TEARING IN A TWISTED JOINT)

Strong elongation & often rupture of muscles & tendons often called contracture or athlete cramps.

SYMPTOMS:

Pain, swelling & cramps where the sprain is done.

FIRST-AID:

1) Put in comfortable place, & apply COLD compress.
2) A grave sprain needs medical care.

Many times it is impossible to know whether a hand or foot is bruised, sprained, or broken. It helps to have an X-ray taken.

But usually, breaks and sprains are treated more or less the same. Keep the joint motionless. Wrap it with something that gives firm support. Use crutches to give a sprained foot as much rest as possible. Serious sprains need at least 3 or 4 weeks to heal. Broken bones take longer.

To relieve pain and swelling, keep the sprained part raised high. During the first day or two, put ice wrapped in cloth or plastic, or cold, wet cloths over the swollen joint for 20 to 30 minutes once every hour. This helps reduce swelling and pain. After 24 to 48 hours (when the swelling is no longer getting worse), soak the sprain in hot water several times a day.

You can keep the twisted joint in the correct position for healing by using a homemade cast or an elastic bandage.

Wrapping the foot and ankle with an elastic bandage will also prevent or reduce swelling. Start from the toes and wrap upward, as shown here. Be careful not to make the bandage too tight, and remove it briefly every hour or two. Also take aspirin or acetaminophen.

If the pain and swelling do not start to go down after 48 hours, seek medical help.

CAUTION: Never rub or massage a sprain or broken bone. It does no good and can do more harm.

If the foot seems very loose or floppy or if the person has trouble moving his toes, look for medical help. Surgery may be needed.