Sprains
These injuries involve ligaments, and usually occur on the ankles
(“twisted ankle”) or, as in the case of a fall that
was braced with a hand, on the wrists. They can range in severity,
and depending on the level of injury, a cast or additional support
may be required (see below under “differential diagnoses”).
One or more of the three ligaments that support the ankle become
hyper-extended and weakened by minute tears in the tissue; the result
is inflammation and pain, although these can often take one or two
hours to fully manifest. Once a sprain has occurred, incomplete
healing can leave the ankle or wrist weaker and more susceptible
to additional injury, all of which leads to a vicious cycle and
a continue deterioration of the supportive ligaments.
Treatment Goal(s):
· Reduction of pain and inflammation through the use of ice,
rubefacients and anodynes to both alleviate symptoms and ensure
that ongoing inflammation doesn’t further damage the joint.
Primary Treatment:
· Ice and rest, immediately after injury. Apply ice for 2-5
minutes, then break for 25 minutes, then reapply for two to five
minutes. Continue until bedtime. Reduce activity for two weeks.
· Apply external applications of Arnica montana (Arnica),
by infused oil, liniment, gel or cream (the last two are most often
homeopathic preparations, 8% of 1X Arnica in a gel or cream base).
Repeat every hour for the first day.
— Apply fresh, bruised leaves of Sambucus nigra (Elder) as
a poultice. Leave on until pain is reduced.
Supportive Treatment:
· Apply warm compresses of Zingiber officinalis (Ginger)
following the application of ice.
· Internally administer homeopathic dilution of Arnica, 6X
to 30C, as directed on the label.
· Internally administer infusions (4 TBS of mixture / quart
of water) or tinctures (4ml of formula 3 times daily) of Crategus
(Hawthorn), Centella asiatica (Gotu Kola), and Echinacea in equal
parts to protect and strengthen tendons and ligaments. Continue
this treatment for 6-8 weeks, longer for more severe injuries.
— Use a supportive bandage (ACE, or loose tape) to prevent
re-injury, for 6-8 weeks.
Differential diagnoses, cautions, and other considerations:
· If, following the first few hours after injury, the pain
becomes severe to the point that walking or using the joint is impossible,
or if there is extensive bruising as well (and there was no blunt
trauma), the ligaments may be severely torn or even broken. A cast
may be required; refer to a qualified healthcare provider and immobilize
the affected joint until then.
· Do not rule out the possibility of a break in the affected
joint. Usually gentle hand compression on a sprained joint will
actually feel good; if there is a break this compression usually
causes pain.
