Sprain

Sprain. As the result of a sudden wrench or fall injury is often inflicted on some of the soft parts of the body, and particularly on the muscular and ligamentous structures, without actual breach of continuity of the bones. Pain and swelling occur, and to such a condition, in the absence of actual fracture or dislocation, the term sprain is applied. Sprains are particularly common in the neighbourhood of joints, the ligaments of which may be stretched or torn in consequence of the injury. The treatment of sprains in the early stages consists in insisting on rest for the affected parts, and in the application of cold lotions, lead lotion being that usually employed. Later, the employment of warmth is often grateful to the patient, and as soon as inflammation has subsided friction of the part involved should be resorted to, and the patient should move it about with a view to preventing the formation of a stiff joint.