Sprains and bruises are a condition not only for athletes. They apply to literally everyone – regardless of age, health and physical activity. It is said that they are conditioned both by predispositions to injuries in the form of weak muscles, and just as often … ordinary inattention.
A sprain is a displacement of a bone within a joint. You will recognize this by the joint swelling and becoming hot to the touch. In addition, ligaments and the joint capsule are also very often damaged. The most common causes of this type of damage include:
- Inattention,
- Previously suffered injuries,
- Weak muscles
- Competitive sports.
How to recognize a sprain?
The basic symptom that distinguishes a sprain from a sprain is the inability to perform movements in the joint with the simultaneous occurrence of spring resistance. A sprain not only damages the tiny blood vessels, but also the larger vessels and nerves. Therefore, with this type of injury, medical attention and X-ray examination are necessary.
First aid for sprains
In the case of first aid, it is absolutely forbidden to attempt to adjust the joint or to move it in any way. The person providing assistance should leave the joint in its original position (i.e. the position in which it was found, even if it is very incorrect), but at the same time try to immobilize it. The injured person must lie down in the most comfortable position possible, i.e. the one in which he feels the least pain.
What is the nature of a bruise?
In the case of contusions, the matter is much simpler. These are quite common injuries, arising as a result of falls or as a result of a blow (usually inflicted with a blunt object). Contusions are characterized by swelling, warming and bruising of the skin. This is because small blood vessels under the skin burst when they are injured. Then the blood that is in them spills out into the surrounding tissues. Bruises are usually quite painful, both spontaneously and under pressure, and the pain is exacerbated by movement.
Treating bruises
The bruise heals on its own, usually after seven to ten days, gradually changing its color. The color of the bruise changes as the damaged cells are slowly absorbed by the bloodstream. If you want to speed up healing or even reduce the pain of a bruise, a cold compress should be applied immediately after the injury, because the low temperature will reduce swelling and stop bleeding of small blood vessels. However, you must remember not to apply ice directly to the skin, as it may cause frostbite. In addition, you can use painkillers or accelerate healing in the form of tablets and ointments available in pharmacies.