FIRST AID FOR

SPRAINS AND STRAINS

EMERGENCY NURSING
What is the difference of Sprain and
Strain?
 Sprain grading
 Grade 1: minor tearing of the ligaments
- The casualty can still walk, although with some degree of
difficulty.
- With (+)swelling, stiffness, and pain.
 Grade 2: moderate tearing of the ligaments. 
- (+) swelling and some degree of bruising.
 Grade 3 : a complete tearing of the ligament.
- It requires a surgical intervention to reattach the ligament
- (+ severe pain then afterwards complete absence of pain)
Δ Strain:
Strain It is an injury to a muscle or tendon.
It happens when the muscles are:
Δ Stretch too far;
Δ Stretch while contracting;
that results to a tear of muscles or tendons
 Occupational injuries

SPRAINS AND STRAINS got the

highest rank among those injuries.

Sprains, strains 40.8

Bruises, contusions 8.7

Cuts, lacerations 8.2
Fractures 7.8
Heat burns 1.4
Carpal tunnel syndrome 1.3
Amputations 0.7
Chemical burns 0.5
Tendonitis 0.5
Multiple traumatic injuries 4.1

Other 26.0
 RICE METHOD OF
TREATMENT
Click here (FIRST AID VIDEO FOR SPRAINS AND STRAINS).flv

REST
CRITICAL TREATMENT
PERIOD
– the first 24-48 hours

“help the casualty to sit or lie

down”
 ICE Compression
-after ice compression, place
- at least 20 - 30 minutes; 4 to
padding/bandage around the
5 x a day to reduce swelling.
injury fairly firmly and make
sure that the injury is
supported.
 Elevate
-to reduce swelling and bleeding.

After the RICE METHOD

-introduce MOTION into the ankle as
soon as possible.
-Depending on the degree of injury,
the patient could be asked to perform
GENTLE ANKLE CIRCLES, or if
able to do so, write the alphabet with
their feet.
 PREVENTION TIPS
to help reduce your injury risk:
Participate in a conditioning program to build muscle
strength
Do stretching exercises daily
Always wear properly fitting shoes
Nourish your muscles by eating a well-balanced diet
Warm up before any sports activity, including practice
Use or wear protective equipment appropriate for that
sport