Sprain is damage that occurs due to injury or prolonged overvoltage.
Sprain of the ligaments of the hand can occur when falling, when a person "lands" on the arm under his arm or makes a sharp swing to the side. Stretching can also occur when the hand is directed away from the natural bend line.
Like any other similar injury, arm sprain differs from dislocation and fracture in that the bones remain intact and the joint in the correct position. Therefore, the stretched arm does not change shape, there are no signs of bones sticking out under the skin.
However, such an injury is dangerous, especially if the sprain is severe.
Arm sprain can have three degrees.
· The first is light stretching, in which single fibers break. There is a feeling of pulling or aching pain, swelling rarely can occur.
· The second is moderate injury. It is characterized by sharp pain, the appearance of a small edema. Hand movements are slightly difficult.
· The third, the most difficult. A large number of fibers are injured or torn. There is a sharp pain, which sometimes can lead to loss of consciousness. At the place of stretching, severe edema occurs, often a pronounced hematoma. Any movement can aggravate pain, cause dizziness.
First aid for sprains should be carried out clearly and quickly.
With light damage, it consists in the fact that the hand needs to be fixed with a tight bandage, on top of which apply cold. If it is not possible to make ice, it can be replaced with products from the refrigerator wrapped in a towel. The cold is kept for a quarter of an hour, then removed for an hour. The cooling procedure is repeated several times. On the second and subsequent days, if the pain has not passed on its own, apply an ointment from sprain.
It can be Analgos, consisting of a mixture of substances that dilate blood vessels, creating a pleasant feeling of warmth, activate blood flow and metabolism. Analgos, in addition, significantly reduces muscle tone
Ointments with snake or bee venom, for example, Apizartron, increase the elasticity of muscles and ligaments, relieve pain.
Ointments that include diclofenac, ibuprofen, or indomethacin are also suitable. Effectively Fastum-gel, Efkamon, Nurofen-gel, etc.
The ointment should be rubbed into the injured place, then apply a fixing bandage, wrap up heat.
In the second degree of stretching, first aid is provided in the same way. In this case, it is important not only to make the bandage correctly, but it is recommended to lay the arm so that it is relaxed and the injured place is above the level at which the heart is located. The victim should sit or lie down in a comfortable position, as much as possible to limit any movements. In this case, it is recommended that you consult a doctor and, possibly, a more complex treatment.
Sprain of the third degree arm ligaments requires a particularly careful attitude. Since severe pain can cause dizziness or fainting, the victim must be seated so that he does not lose balance. Having laid your hand so that the injured place is completely at rest, you should first call an ambulance, and then provide first aid.
Third degree sprain treatment is carried out in a hospital, because it requires the use of medications, physiotherapy, and massages. Sometimes, in order to prevent repeated stretching or weakness of the joint, an operation to restore ligaments is recommended.
Sometimes, even after complete recovery, nodules can remain on the ligaments, which cause constant repeated inflammation. Injury can recur even with minor irregular movements, and the pain persists for a very long time.
If the tendon has not grown correctly, movements can cause a “stitch” in the damaged area.
With sprains of the third degree, not cured in a hospital at the time, dystrophy of the limb may occur.