If one has recently suffered a sprain, he or she may be looking for sprain pain relief. Whether one is dealing with leg pain or joint pain, there are some simple steps that can help relieve the pain caused by this type of injury.
Almost everyone will experience swelling and bruising at the injured site, as these are the most common sprain symptoms. Other symptoms depend on the severity with which one has been injured. It is not uncommon to experience limited mobility, pain with walking, instability, a giving way sensation in the related joint, and bruising over or around the injured area, particularly if the bruising moves down the foot to one’s toes.
The knee pain or ankle pain experienced is caused by different factors. Those who report only pain and swelling and who can walk fairly normally are said to have a simple and easily healed Grade I sprain due to a stretching of the injured ligament. Those who have partially torn the ligament will have more swelling, bruising, and pain with walking, while those who have completely torn the ligament may not be able to stand or walk at all, depending on where the injury is. Those who insist on standing or continuing normal activities as opposed to resting, may begin to experience pain in other, supporting areas as well. Seeking out back pain treatment is common in those suffering from sprains.
If a sprain in any area is left untreated or unattended, not only will pain develop in other areas, but other consequences may develop. A person who does not properly treat his or her sprain will have to wait a much longer time for it to heal, and the pain will be more severe. Also, one who does not treat the injury properly will have a more difficult time being sure if he or she is experiencing a common sprain or something more serious like a fracture or break. If something this serious is left untreated, a great deal of pain and possibly permanent loss of mobility may occur.
The first thing one should do after a sprain has occured is rest the injured area for approximately twenty-four to forty-eight hours. One should not put any pressure or weight onto the affected area for at least this long. During this period of rest, one should have someone else ice the sprain for twenty minutes every three to four hours. Leaving the ice on for longer than the specified time may cause tissue damage. When not icing, compression bandages, such as Ace bandages, should be worn. These bandages should not be too tight or cut off circulation to the foot or ankle. One should elevate the injured area as often as possible, keeping in mind that the sprain should be held higher than the heart. One may also take pain medication for any back pain treatment or general sprain pain relief that is needed.