 Allergies [31]
Allergy is a disorder of the immune system often also referred to as atopy.
Antidepressants [51]
An antidepressant is a psychiatric medication used to alleviate mood disorders, such as major depression and dysthymia.
Arthritis [4]
Arthritis is a group of conditions involving damage to the joints of the body.
Cancer [34]
Cancer is a class of diseases in which a group of cells display uncontrolled growth
Cardio & Blood [1]
Risk factors for heart disease: infections
Cholesterol [2]
A fat-like substance called a lipid. It is used to build cell membranes, hormones and bile acids
Diabetes [25]
The inability of the body to produce, or the inability to metabolize, the human hormone insulin; Diabetes insipidus, usually a disorder of the ...
Epilepsy [3]
Epilepsy is a common chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent unprovoked seizures
Gastrointestinal [1]
The digestive tract is the system of organs within multicellular animals that takes in food...
General Health [108]
The infant, child or young person?s current health condition
Herbal [36]
Herbal tea, herbal medicine
Hormonal [16]
Hormones - Proteins produced by organs of the body that trigger activity in other locations.
Men's Health [1]
For men on fitness, health, sex, caree
Pain relief [9]
Pain management is the medical discipline concerned with the relief of pain.
Skin care [19]
The skin is the outer covering of the body
Weight Loss [33]
Loss of body weight by dieting or due to various easting disorders or medical conditions.
Women's Health [36]
Find information on women's health issues, and lifestyle at the Women's Health
Awaiting moderation 8785 Article
|
Sprains and strains SPRAINS AND STRAINS
A sprain is the tearing of the ligaments, fibrous structures which support the joints. The most common sprains occur on the limbs, such as sprained ankles, wrists and thumbs, but can affect almost any joint if the ligaments are suddenly or excessively stretched beyond the normal range of movement. 'Whiplash', for example is the spraining of the ligaments between the vertabrae of the neck. The joint will swell and often bruise and will be extremely painful.
Initially, sprains should be treated much the same way as bruises. Much of the pain of sprains arises from the swelling and the bleeding in the tissues. Immediately apply ice to the area and elevate the affected limb. Rest as much as possible. Apply arnica as a cream or tincture, or a compress of either arnica or comfrey root, directly on the swelling. Under medical supervision only, arnica can be taken in tablet form to help limit the bruising and Vitamin C and the herb horsetail aid the healing of muscle tissue. Initially, the joint may be strapped firmly to provide support, limit swelling and ease the pain. Soon, however, gentle massage and movement is required to prevent the ligament tissues shortening and tightening as they heal. To begin with, a physiotherapist will only stroke the affected area firmly, progressing to deeper tissue massage with fingers and thumbs only when the injury is healing. Hydrotherapy can also help the patient maintain movement and build up strength in the joint. Note that sprains take longer to heal than fractures do, up to six or eight weeks, and that a joint which has been sprained may be permanently weakened and more prone to dislocation, requiring special care and strapping with elastic bandage when exercising.
Rather than arising from one single over extension of the joints, strains result from the overuse of muscles, through careless exercise or even because of poor work practices. Strained muscles can result in temporary discomfort or the development of more serious nerve and muscle conditions.
*57\69\2*
General health
«Viagra Online»
 Print
Viewed: 163
| Keywords for this page: Sprains and strains |
|
|
Fresh materia
What your doctor should know; women tell their stories