Treat Sprains Naturally
Sprains are often considered worse than broken bones as the torn and stretched ligaments end up weaker once healed while a bone is stronger. There are three levels of sprains. Mild sprains where there is little pain and swelling and little to no difficulty in moving the joint. A moderate sprain will have swelling, bruising and pain. Chances are the patient will not be able to stand on a moderately sprained ankle and may require x-rays. A severe sprain occurs when the muscle or ligament is fully torn or ruptured and requires medical care.
How do I know if I have a sprain?
- Pain
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Inability to move the sprained joint
- Instability on the sprained join
How can I prevent sprains?
- Before exercising be sure to stretch properly.
- Strengthen formerly injured and therefore weakened muscles.
- Pay attention; try to avoid trips and falls as often as possible.
How can I treat sprains?
- Rest the affected joint as much as possible.
- Ice for 15-20 minutes when it feels swollen or tender.
- Keep the area compressed with an elastic bandage to help reduce swelling.
- Keep the area elevated over the heart to help reduce swelling.
- Massage with garlic or almond oil to reduce inflammation.
- Rub with a mixture of sunflower and camphor oil to reduce swelling and promote healing.
- Make a warm water and vinegar compress and apply to promote healing.
- Restrict swelling and control pain by mixing powdered jaggery with clarified butter and applying to the sprain once cooled.
- Turmeric will help decrease inflammation, swelling and pain.
- Ginger can help with inflammation; drink as a tea, enjoy as a candy and add to foods.
- Fish oils help speed recovery and restrict inflammation.
