How To Treat Minor Muscle Sprains

Prior to learning how to treat minor muscle sprains, you must first understand what exactly a muscle sprain involves. Sprains generally occur near a joint. The ligament at the joint becomes injured. This makes movement of the area limited and painful. Often, swelling will occur. Most sprains are not serious and require no medical treatment. You can learn how to treat minor muscle sprains at home without the need of a medical professional.

1. Learn how to treat minor muscle sprains with proper rest. The injured area needs to be rested. Movement of the area and pressure on the area should be avoided, especially if the sprain is affecting a joint. Using a sling, splint or bandage, the area needs to be immobilized. The will allow the injured ligaments and muscles to heal quickly and properly.
2. Learn how to treat minor muscle sprains with ice. Ice must be used when treating a sprain at home. It should be applied to the injured area for at least 24 hours to allow the area to heal. Ice will reduce pain and swelling the injury may cause. Heat can also be used in this manner.
3. Learn how to treat minor muscle sprains with compression. The injured area should be compressed with a bandage. This will allow the area to heal and reduce pain and swelling the injury will cause. Bandages should be wrapped tightly, but not tight enough to restrict blood flow to the area.
4. Learn how to treat minor muscle sprains with proper elevation. The area that is injured needs to be elevated while resting. This is done to reduce swelling to the area.

Over-the-counter pain medications can be taken to relieve the pain caused from minor muscle sprains. If severe pain persists, you may need to see a doctor to learn how to treat minor muscle sprains with other medications. After the pain has subsided, gently begin exercising the area to strengthen it. In some cases, a brace may need to be worn to strengthen the area.

Resources:

Georgia Health Info