Sprained Ligament

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Causes

Signs/Symptoms

Care

Do's/Don'ts

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

• Your doctor will tell you how long to rest the injured area. Then slowly start using the joint as the pain allows.
• Keep the joint above the level of your heart if possible. This will reduce swelling.
• Apply ice to the injury for 15 to 20 minutes each hour for the first 1 to 2 days. Put the ice in a plastic bag and place a towel between the bag of ice and your skin.
• After the first 1 to 2 days, you may put heat on the injury to help ease the pain. Use a heating pad (set on low), whirlpool bath, or warm, moist towels for 15 to 20 minutes every hour for 48 hours.
• If you are given a splint, keep wearing it until the doctor says you can remove it.
• If you are given an elastic bandage (ace wrap), your doctor will tell you how long you must wear it. You can rewrap it if it becomes uncomfortable. Take it off at least once a day. If you have numbness or tingling below the injury, the bandage is too tight. Take it off and rewrap it more loosely.
• You can take off the splint or bandage when bathing.
• You may use over-the-counter medicines to relieve the pain. Take all medications exactly as directed.
• If you are given a tetanus shot, your arm may get swollen, red, and warm to the touch at the site of the shot. This is a normal reaction to the medicine.

Call Your Doctor If...

• Bruising, swelling, or pain gets worse.
• You have cold, numb or blue toes or fingers (depending on the location of the injury).