WEBVTT

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Caring for a Sprain A sprain
is a tear in a ligament

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that happens when it's
stretched too hard.

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Ligaments are the
tough bands of tissue

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that hold your bones together.

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A sprain can cause
pain and swelling.

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Most sprains heal in 1 to 2
weeks with home treatment.

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Treatment A sprain can
be treated with a sling,

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elastic bandage,
splint, or cast.

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A splint or cast can
help prevent more damage

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and reduce pain by keeping
the ligament from moving.

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A splint is often used
as the first treatment.

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You may get a splint, and then
see a specialist for a cast

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if you have a severe sprain.

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A splint may be all
that you need.

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Or you may only need a sling
for 1 to 3 weeks for comfort.

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Caring for a splint or cast
If you have a splint or cast,

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follow these care guidelines:
Keep the splint or cast dry.

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Don't put any weight on a splint

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or cast unless you're
told you can.

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Never put anything
sharp inside your splint

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or cast to scratch an itch.

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Don't remove padding or change
any part of your splint or cast.

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Don't remove the splint

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until your health care
provider says you can.

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If your toes or fingers
turn blue or tingle,

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call your health care provider
or go to the emergency room.

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Caring for a sling or elastic
bandage A sling is used only

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for comfort.

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Once the pain has gone,
you may no longer need it.

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Use it as long as your health
care provider tells you to.

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You can remove it when
sleeping or bathing.

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Your injury may be wrapped
in an elastic bandage.

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This is to help decrease
swelling and pain.

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Remove the bandage before
sleeping, unless it's used

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to keep your splint in place.

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Make sure your skin is clean

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and dry before putting
the bandage back on.

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Don't wrap it too tight.

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Loosen it if your toes

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or fingers swell,
turn blue, or tingle.

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Managing pain and swelling
Major sprains may cause pain

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and swelling for several days.

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The pain may get worse

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in the first 24 hours
after your injury.

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You can manage pain and
swelling with RICE, which stands

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for Rest, Ice, Compression,
and Elevation.

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Rest means not putting
any weight on the joint.

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Use crutches if you need to.

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Put an ice bag wrapped in a
thin, dry cloth on the area.

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Do this for 15 to 20 minutes
every 2 to 3 hours for 2 days,

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or until the swelling goes down.

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Use an elastic bandage to
compress the injured joint.

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This can decrease swelling

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if you do this soon
after the injury.

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Raise the injured area above
the level of your heart.

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You may be able to take
over-the-counter pain medicine.

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Follow the dosage on
the package label.

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Or you may need a
prescription medicine.

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Take it exactly as directed.

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Don't take any over-the-counter
medicine while taking

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prescription medicine
unless you check

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with your health
care provider first.

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Safety tips for a sprain If
you have an injured arm, elbow,

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wrist or hand: Don't lift
anything with your injured arm.

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Raise your hand higher than
your arm as often as you can,

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and Wiggle your fingers often.

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If you have an injured
leg, knee, foot or ankle:

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Use crutches, a walker, or
a cane exactly as directed.

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Raise your foot higher than
your knee when you're resting.

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Wiggle your toes often,
and Don't put your weight

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on the injured leg until your
health care provider says

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it's OK.

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When to call Call your
health care provider or go

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to the emergency room if you
have: Pain that gets worse,

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and doesn't get better after
taking pain medicine, Fingers

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or toes that turn pale or blue,
go numb, or tingle Severe pain

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that gets worse when you
move Fever or chills,

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or Skin over the area that turns
red and warm You can return

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to normal activities
slowly as directed

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by your health care provider.

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If you have pain, the injured
area isn't ready for normal use.

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Taking all the right steps
to get proper treatment

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for your sprain will
help it heal right

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so you can get back to normal!

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What we have learned You
will need only a sling

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for any sprain you have.

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True or false?

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The answer is false.

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A sprain can be treated
with a sling,

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elastic bandage,
splint, or cast.

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Most sprains heal in 2 months.

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True or false?

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The answer is false.

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Most sprains heal in 1 to 2
weeks with home treatment.