Bruises, Sprains, Strains & Fractures - First Aid Remedies

A sprain occurs when a joint is forced beyond it’s normal range of movement stretching or tearing the ligaments that support the bones in the joint.

A strain is the result of over-stretching of a muscle or tendon. Symptoms include pain which is intense, sharp, and increased on movement. Swelling usually marked with tenderness over the muscle and bruising may develop quickly.

A dislocation of joint occurs when force stretches the ligament so far that the bones in the joint are pushed out of normal contact with each other causing deformity and tenderness at the joint level. There is a great deal of pain and inability to move the joint. Rapid swelling and discoloration will occur. A contused wound is bleeding into the deep tissues causing bruising. There is pain at the site, swelling, discoloration, and local tenderness.

A fracture is a broken or cracked bone. The break is usually complete, but in the young, the bone can bend, this is called a green stick fracture. Bleeding and pain may lead to shock. A closed fracture is when the skin is unbroken ad blood is lost in the tissues. An open fracture is when there is a wound leading to the fracture or the bone may protrude through the skin. Sign and symptoms of a fracture are difficult or impossible normal movement of the limb and loss of power, possible swelling around the fracture site and bruising that may appear progressively.

First action

Most importantly, immobilize the joints above and below the fracture, preferably before moving the patient. Check frequently for signs of impaired circulation to the foot or hand. Support the limb in an elevate position using either splints or padding if possible. (only elevate if bleeding)

First action for sprains & strains

Apply a firm bandage to the injured part, and elevate. Do not attempt to reduce the dislocation and seek medical aid. In the case of a limb, check the pulse, and if absent, gently move the limb to try to restore the circulation. For the strains support the injured muscle with a pressure bandage, encourage gentle exercise to reduce painful spasm & or shortening of the muscle. Don’t massage

Homeopathic remedies

Rhus-tox

Has an affinity for fibrous tissue – fascia, sheaths, tendons, etc., also acts on skin, mucous membranes and glands.

For treatment of: Sprains with annoying, stiff, restless feeling.

Marked stiff feeling in muscles and joints. Complaints come on after becoming wet, cold or damp. Hot, painful swelling of joints. Sprains and strains from overexertion of muscles. Pains are tearing. Injury which is better for continued motion and for hot application. Worse for first motion, keeping still, over use.

Ruta

Act chiefly on periosteum, cartilage and flexor tendons, including the eye muscles which are largely tendonous, joints and wrists.

For the treatment of: Specific for injuries to the tendons

Sprains especially of the flexor tendons from straining or over-exertion. Tennis elbow. Chiropractor’s wrist Carpel tunnel syndrome. Repetitive stress injuries and tendosynovitis. Lingering painful injuries to the periosteum – places where bone is near the surface, iliac crests, shins etc. Tendency to formation of deposits in periosteum, bone and tendons. Lameness after sprains esp. if nodules appear. Marked stiffness and bruised pain. Patient has a tendency to quarrel and contradict. Better for heat, wrapping and gentle motion and worse for cold and exertion.

Symphytum

Injuries to cartilage and periosteum with excessive pain. Promotes new bone growth in fractures.

For the treatment of: Non-union of fractures

Prickling, stitching pains remaining after wound has healed. Penetrating wounds to perineum. Arthralia of knee. Acts so quickly fractures must be set before remedy is given. For painful old injuries. Comminuted fractures. Pain in the eye after a blow from a blunt instrument. Better for warmth. Worse for touch, motion, pressure