SPRAINS AND STRAINS

  A sprain is the over stretching or tearing the ligaments. They are usually caused by a sudden twist or bending of a joint. A strain is the over stretching or tearing of a muscle, fascia or tendon and is often caused by an overlift, a sudden move, or overexerting oneself to do something. Many times the two conditions come together during an injury along with bruising. These injuries may be either mild or severe and can take up to six weeks to heal, especially if a ligament is torn. The symptoms are pain, redness, bruising, swelling and stiffness usually worse on motion and touch. A severe sprain may be had to differentiate from a break unless the area is x-rayed.

  Give Arn. immediately after the injury and elevate the injured area and rest it in a comfortable position. Use ice and cold water with Arn. tincture for the first twenty four hours after the injury. If the skin is broken, do not use Arnica externally. After twenty four hours use hot water and hot compresses to remove swelling and improve circulation. If Arnica is still indicated aid the tincture to the water as well if there are no open wounds. Light bandaging will also help reduce swelling and provide support. In the case of a sprained ankle an elastic bandage may be wound in a figure eight pattern around the ankle, or if the sprain is severe, an air cast will prove useful. Take the person to the doctors for an X-ray if the swelling does not look much better after twenty four hours. There may be a fracture or a severe tendon injury.

A strain injuries the muscles, fascia and tendons. They are accompanied by intense pain, moderate swelling, pain on motion, and at times, discoloration at the sight of injury. Place the injured victim in a comfortable position and apply heat. Keep the individual still and rest the area. Give Arnica or Bell-p. depending on the depth of the injury, and access the nature of the damage. A strain to the back may involve the spine and its surrounding tissues so refer to the section on back injuries (page). Most strains should be feeling better, not worse, after twenty four hours. If the injury seems severe seek medical attention immediately. For specific remedies study the repertory and materia medica for complementary treatment.

Materia Medica

AGNUS CASTUS (1). Sprains from over lifting, sprains and luxations of the joint. Suited those who have prematurely age from abuse of sexual power. Sadness with impression of a speedy death. Sexual melancholia.

AMMONIUM CARB (2). Sprains attended with fatigue and weakness in limbs, as if bruised. Drawing and tension in joints, contraction of limb, as if tendon were too short. Suited to rather stout women, who are always tired and weary, take cold easily, suffer from cholera-like symptoms before menses, lead a sedentary life, slow reaction, disposed toward the use of a smelling bottle. Worse < evenings, cold, wet weather wet application, washing 3 to 4 a.m. during menses. Better > lying on painful side and on stomach, dry weather.

ARNICA (3). After traumatic injuries, overuse of any organ, sprains and strains. Useful any time a person seem to have "over done it". Particularly useful immediately after a sprain or strain. Sprains with much bruising and soreness. When a sprain or a strain has lead to the present trouble. Worse < least touch, motion, rest, cold damp. Better > lying down with the head low.

ASAFOETIDA (1). Injuries to the tarsus and carpus. Irritable, complains about he troubles.

BELLIS PERENNIS (2). Lameness as if sprained. First remedy to injuries to the deep tissues, after major surgical work. Sprain with great soreness. Result of injuries to the nerves with intense soreness and intolerance of cold bathing. Worse left side, hot baths and warmth of bed, cold bathing, cold wind.

BRYONIA (3). Sprains that are worse < the slightest motions and better > complete rest, supporting the part so that it does not move. Joints red, swollen, with stitches and tearing < motion. Every spot is painful on pressure. Very effect after Arn. in the early stages when motion is very limited and the swelling is acute. Complementary to Rhus-t which often follows Bry. in sprains.

CALCAREA CARB (3). Sharp sticking, as if parts were wrenched or sprained. Old sprains when the symptoms are lingering. Strain from over lifting. Feels as if arthritis is trying to enter the joints in the sight of injury. Suited to fat, fair, flabby, sweaty, cold , damp and sour smelling individuals. Follows Rhus-t which often acts as Calcarea's acute reflex. Worse < exertion, cold in every form, water, washing, moist are, wet weather, standing. Better > dry climate and weather, lying on painful side.

CARBO ANIMALIS (1). Easily strained from lifting. Ankles turn easily (nat-c.). Straining and over-lifting produces great debility. Points weak with easy discoloration.

HYPERICUM (2). Useful in sprains in which the nerves have been damaged. Traumatic neuralgia and neuritis. Neuritis, with tingling, burning pain, numbness and flossy skin. Joints feel bruised. Spasms after every injury. Worse < in cold, dampness, in a fog, in closed room, least exposure, touch. Better > bending his head backward,

HYPERICUM (2). Useful in sprains in which the nerves have been damaged. Traumatic neuralgia and neuritis. Neuritis, with tingling, burning pain, numbness and flossy skin. Joints feel bruised. Spasms after every injury. Worse < in cold, dampness, in a fog, in closed room, least exposure, touch. Better > bending his head backward,

HYPERICUM (2). Useful in sprains in which the nerves have been damaged. Traumatic neuralgia and neuritis. Neuritis, with tingling, burning pain, numbness and flossy skin. Joints feel bruised. Spasms after every injury. Worse < in cold, dampness, in a fog, in closed room, least exposure, touch. Better > bending his head backward,

MILLEFOLIUM (3). Bad effects from a fall from a height, over-exertions or over lifting. Bruising with much bleeding under the skin.

NATRUM CARB (3). Old sprains. Easy spraining and dislocations of the ankles. Foot bends under, Heel and tendo-achilles affected. The hollow of the knee is painful on motion. Icy coldness up to the knees. Worse < least draught, changes of weather, sun.. Better by moving.

RHUS TOX (3). Bad effects from straining or lifting, particularly stretching arms high up to each things. Consequences attending the forced extension of membranous tissues, especially the ligament of joints. Tearing pains in the tendons, ligaments, and fascia. Useful in sprains when the joint is worse on first motion but is better > on continued motion. It joint is ameliorated as it warms up, but will become worse < of exerted beyond a certain point. Often follows Bry. after it has remove the initial stiffness and the joint has loosen up and is now better after continued motion. Most effective in chilly, restless individuals.

RUTA (3). Complaints from straining the flexor tendons. Tendency to the formation of deposits in the periosteum, tendons and about the joints, especially the wrist. Lameness after sprains and bruises. Specific effect on the wrist and ankles. Worse < lying down, cold, wet weather. Suits sanguine types.

SYMPHYTUM (2). Injuries to the sinews, tendons and periosteum. Sprains with small fractures of the bones and much bruising.

Comments. In sprains Arn. is usually the first remedy. It is often followed by Bry. in the second stage where there is much swelling and the joint is very painful to move. Rhus-t. often is used in the third stage when the joint is loosening up and is now < on first movement but limbers up and is better on continued motion. This may be follow at times by Calc-c. which is useful in relieving the pains that linger.