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First Aid
First aid is the provision of initial care for an illness or injury. It is usually performed by a lay person to a sick or injured casualty until definitive medical treatment can be accessed.
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What do you do if you have a sprained finger?
Here is how...
A sprained ankle is a very common injury. Approximately 25,000 people experience it each day. A sprained ankle can happen to athletes and non-athletes, children and adults. It can happen when you take part in sports and physical fitness activities. It can also happen when you simply step on an uneven surface, or step down at an angle.
The ligaments of the ankle hold the ankle bones and joint in position. They protect the ankle joint from abnormal movements-especially twisting, turning, and rolling of the foot.
A ligament is an elastic structure. Ligaments usually stretch within their limits, and then go back to their normal positions. When a ligament is forced to stretch beyond its normal range, a sprain occurs. A severe sprain causes actual tearing of the elastic fibers.How It Happens
Ankle sprains happen when the foot twists, rolls or turns beyond its normal motions. A great force is transmitted upon landing. You can sprain your ankle if the foot is planted unevenly on a surface, beyond the normal force of stepping. This causes the ligaments to stretch beyond their normal range in an abnormal position.Top of page
Mechanism of Injury
If there is a severe in-turning or out-turning of the foot relative to the ankle, the forces cause the ligaments to stretch beyond their normal length. If the force is too strong, the ligaments can tear. You may lose your balance when your foot is placed unevenly on the ground. You may fall and be unable to stand on that foot. When excessive force is applied to the ankle's soft tissue structures, you may even hear a "pop". Pain and swelling result.
The amount of force determines the grade of the sprain. A mild sprain is a Grade 1. A moderate sprain is a Grade 2. A severe strain is a Grade 3 (see Table below).
- Grade 1 sprain:
Slight stretching and some damage to the fibers (fibrils) of the ligament.
- Grade 2 sprain:
Partial tearing of the ligament. If the ankle joint is examined and moved in certain ways, abnormal looseness (laxity) of the ankle joint occurs.
- Grade 3 sprain:
Complete tear of the ligament. If the examiner pulls or pushes on the ankle joint in certain movements, gross instability occurs.
SeverityPhysical
Examination
Findings
Impairment
Pathophysiology
Typical Treatment*Grade 1
Minimal tenderness and swelling
Minimal
Microscopic tearing of collagen fibers
Weight bearing as tolerated
No splinting/casting
Isometric exercises
Full range-of-motion and stretching/ strengthening exercises as tolerated
Grade 2
Moderated tenderness and swelling
Decreased range of motion
Possible instability
Moderated
Complete tears of some but not all collagen fibers in the ligament
Immobilization with air splint
Physical therapy with range-of-motion and stretching/ strengthening exercises
Grade 3
Significant swelling and tenderness
Instability
Severe
Complete tear/ rupture of ligament
Immobilization
Physical therapy similar to that for grade 2 sprains but over a longer period
Possible surgical reconstruction
Top of page
Diagnosis
See your doctor to diagnose a sprained ankle. He or she may order X-rays to make sure you don't have a broken bone in the ankle or foot. A broken bone can have similar symptoms of pain and swelling.
The injured ligament may feel tender. If there is no broken bone, the doctor may be able to tell you the grade of your ankle sprain based upon the amount of swelling, pain and bruising.
The physical exam may be painful. The doctor may need to move your ankle in various ways to see which ligament has been hurt or torn.
If there is a complete tear of the ligaments, the ankle may become unstable after the initial injury phase passes. If this occurs, it is possible that the injury may also cause damage to the ankle joint surface itself.
The doctor may order an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan if he or she suspects a very severe injury to the ligaments, injury to the joint surface, a small bone chip or other problem. The MRI can make sure the diagnosis is correct. The MRI may be ordered after the period of swelling and bruising resolves.Top of page
Symptoms
The amount of pain depends on the amount of stretching and tearing of the ligament. Instability occurs when there has been complete tearing of the ligament or a complete dislocation of the ankle joint.Top of page
Treatment
Nonsurgical TreatmentWalking may be difficult because of the swelling and pain. You may need to use crutches if walking causes pain. Usually swelling and pain will last two days to three days. Depending upon the grade of injury, the doctor may tell you to use removable plastic devices such as castboots or air splints.
Most ankle sprains need only a period of protection to heal. The healing process takes about four weeks to six weeks. The doctor may tell you to incorporate motion early in the healing process to prevent stiffness. Motion may also aid in being able to sense position, location, orientation and movement of the ankle (proprioception). Even a complete ligament tear can heal without surgical repair if it is immobilized appropriately. Even if an ankle has a chronic tear, it can still be highly functional because overlying tendons help with stability and motion.
For a Grade 1 sprain, use R.I.C.E (rest, ice, compression and elevation):
- Rest your ankle by not walking on it.
- Ice should be immediately applied. It keeps the swelling down. It can be used for 20 minutes to 30 minutes, three or four times daily. Combine ice with wrapping to decrease swelling, pain and dysfunction.
- Compression dressings, bandages or ace-wraps immobilize and support the injured ankle.
- Elevate your ankle above your heart level for 48 hours.
For a Grade 2 sprain, the RICE guidelines can also be used. Allow more time for healing to occur. The doctor may also use a device to immobilize or splint the ankle.
A Grade 3 sprain can be associated with permanent instability. Surgery is rarely needed. A short leg cast or a cast-brace may be used for two weeks to three weeks.
Rehabilitation is used to help to decrease pain and swelling and to prevent chronic ankle problems. Ultrasound and electrical stimulation may also be used as needed to help with pain and swelling. At first, rehabilitation exercises may involve active range of motion or controlled movements of the ankle joint without resistance. Water exercises may be used if land-based strengthening exercises, such as toe-raising, are too painful. Lower extremity exercises and endurance activities are added as tolerated. Proprioception training is very important, as poor propriception is a major cause of repeat sprain and an unstable ankle joint. Once you are pain-free, other exercises may be added, such as agility drills. The goal is to increase strength and range of motion as balance improves over time.
All ankle sprains recover through three phases:
- Phase 1 includes resting, protecting the ankle and reducing the swelling (one week).
- Phase 2 includes restoring range of motion, strength and flexibility (one week to two weeks).
- Phase 3 includes gradually returning to activities that do not require turning or twisting the ankle and doing maintenance exercises. This will be followed later by being able to do activities that require sharp, sudden turns (cutting activities) such as tennis, basketball or football (weeks to months).
Medication
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be used to control pain and inflammation.
Long-term outcome
If an ankle sprain is not recognized, and is not treated with the necessary attention and care, chronic problems of pain and instability may result.
Surgical TreatmentSurgical treatment for ankle sprains is rare. Surgery is reserved for injuries that fail to respond to nonsurgical treatment, and for persistent instability after months of rehabilitation and non-surgical treatment.
Surgical options include:
- Arthroscopy
A surgeon looks inside the joint to see if there are any loose fragments of bone or cartilage, or part of the ligament caught in the joint.
- Reconstruction
A surgeon repairs the torn ligament with stitches or suture, or uses other ligaments and/or tendons found in the foot and around the ankle to repair the damaged ligaments.
Top of page
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation after surgery involves time and attention to restore strength and range of motion so you can return to pre-injury function. The length of time you can expect to spend recovering depends upon the extent of injury and the amount of surgery that was done. Rehabilitation may take from weeks to months.Top of page
Prevention
The best way to prevent ankle sprains is to maintain good strength, muscle balance and flexibility.
- Warm-up before doing exercises and vigorous activities
- Pay attention to walking, running or working surfaces
- Wear good shoes
- Pay attention to your body's warning signs to slow down when you feel pain or fatigue
Is It Acute or Chronic?
If you have sprained your ankle in the past, you may continue to sprain it if the ligaments did not have time to completely heal. If the sprain happens frequently and pain continues for more than four weeks to six weeks, you may have a chronic ankle sprain. Activities that tend to make an already sprained ankle worse include stepping on uneven surfaces, cutting actions and sports that require rolling or twisting of the foot, such as trail running, basketball, tennis, football and soccer.
Possible complications of ankle sprains and treatment include abnormal proprioception. There may be imbalance and muscle weakness that causes a re-injury. If this happens over and over again, a chronic situation may persist with instability, a sense of the ankle giving way (gross laxity) and chronic pain. This can also happen if you return to work, sports or other activities without letting the ankle heal and become rehabilitated.Top of page
Last reviewed and updated: March 2005
how to spang your ankel
When a limb has been amputated what procedure should be followed with respect to the amputated part?
In a first aid context, you need to do the following AFTER you've treated the patient for bleeding and shock. * Retrieve the severed appendage. * Do NOT clean it unless you suspect the presence of toxic substances. Maintain HAZMAT protocol. * Wrap the limb in CLing, or place it in a waterproof plastic bag, then label the plastic with the time and location you found the limb. Do this in waterproof medium (ink if you have it -- pencil on plastic rescue tablet, etc.) * Place the waterproofed limb on ice, preferably in a cooler -- be careful NOT to freeze the limb, so you want to not fully immerse the limb unless you're certain not to freeze it. * Avoid salt water and other ices that drop the temp to far below 32F/0C. * Transport limb WITH the victim unless this isn't possible (e.g. helicopter rescues and the like). Note in your journal where you found the limb, what time you found it (exactly, and relative to all times entered in your site/event log/patient chart). * Make sure the information about the limb, including where is it at the time, is entered into ALL pertinent documents.
If you have a cut on your forearm where should you apply pressure?
Direct pressure is the best method to control bleeding. Be prepared, take a first aid course or get a first aid kit and read the manual before you need to use it.
What is the main aim of first aid?
The primary goal of First Aid by definition is to assess and stabilize the patient, and then make and enact a decision about continued care. This means that, as a first aid responder, you aren't really looking to "cure" the patient -- you're addressing an immediate issue that often will require continued professional care (e.g., doctors and such).
What kind of splint do you use for a broken ankle?
The easiest item to use is cardboard. You can also use poles, wood, and as a last resort splint to the other leg.
Immobilize the bones from at the above and below joints of the injury.
Here are 6 signs of a broken bone.
- Swelling
- Pain
- Difficulty in moving the injured part.
- A bone fragment is protruding through the skin.
- Misalignment or deformity of the injured part.
- Deep, sharp pain when the victim attempts to move the part.
Do not move them, try to keep the injured part of the body as still as possible to avoid further damage. Keep the patient calm, and you as the helper, STAY CALM YOURSELF.
Can you take acetaminophen and diclofenac sodium solution together?
yes, acetaminophen has more anti pyogenic effect and diclo is has more analgesic effect
Why does the heimlich maneuver work?
help remove foreign object from the airway by forcing air from the lung and creating a cough. help remove foreign object from the airway by forcing air from the lung and creating a cough. help remove foreign object from the airway by forcing air from the lung and creating a cough.
How long you should run water over a deep wound?
Don't run water over a deep wound. Apply direct pressure and get the victim to a medical provider. If the wound is contaminated, a professional should clean it out. Tap water is not sterile and can spread contamination and cause additional tissue damage.
Is smelling sharpies bad for you?
If you are referring to ink markers, many of these devices have solvents that can cause temporary dizziness (head spins), and also a tingling sensation of the scalp and face, so it is not beyond imagination that they could also cause a type of addiction to this feeling. Find an alternate marker if you are experiencing this problem and, perhaps, email the manufacturer about the problem - it really does exist and needs to be corrected.
How do you stop peeling on leg and ankle?
Heel balm ointment. You can find it at a local chemist or drug store. This is the most effective way if your problem is due to dry skin. On the other hand, if the peeling is due to a fungal infection (athlete's foot), then antifungal cream is needed. See your health care provider for accurate diagnosis.
Basic first-aid: The simple knowledge of assess a casualty, how to stem bleeding, immobilize broken/sore limbs and maintain breathing of the 'patient' in order to get them to hospital safely, so they can receive professional treatment.
Knowledge includes - the recovery position, how to detect fractures and diagnose symptoms, methods of controlling bleeding, construction and use of bandages, slings and splints.
Does a twisted ankle need crutches?
It depends on you. If there's no fracture, than you don't need crutches unless you want crutches. If you feel you cannot walk easily/ step on your sprained ankle at all, than you should get crutches. If you can limp around just fine, then there is no reason to get crutches.
What kind of exercise should you do when you are cooling down after an intense workout?
A cooldown is important because it allows your heart to return to normality gradually without shocking the body
How efficient is CPR compared with normal breathing and circulation?
It is very effective; it can sustain life until an AED becomes available or EMS arrives. Obviously, if there is a severe MI or Stroke, no amount of medical help will save the person.
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i read in wiki that:
6-30% survival rate if done to a healfy individual by a train professional, 50% of revived victims, will suffer complications later in life dude to being "out cold"
so i would say it is extremely ineffective.
How do you use an infrared thermometer?
The forehead strip thermometer, developed in the 1990's, is a disposable strip of plastic with liquid crystals embedded into the strip. To take a person's temperature, one places the strip against the person's forehead. The liquid crystals react with the temperature of the skin. After waiting anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes, depending on the brand, the crystals will change color. The thermometers have a number line that shows the temperature based on the color displayed. These are great for use with infants and young children. Keep in mind, though, studies have shown that this type of forehead thermometer is not always accurate. It will, however, give you an idea whether or not the child has a fever.
In mouth to mouth resuscitation how would your exhaled breath help the person in receiving aid?
The atmosphere around you contains roughly 20% oxygen. When you inhale, then exhale, you trap some, but even in exhaling after a breath, you're putting out approximately 14% oxygen. While this isn't as good as 20%, it's enough for someone to survive on, and a heck of a lot better than no O2 at all.
When you do first aid on someone, you are possibly saving their life. You are also stopping or slowing down a condition from worsening. It is the first thing you do when you notice someone needs immediate medical help.
How do you administer first aid to a victim of electric shock?
For electrical burns(charred/burned skin), you call 911. Then you cover the burn with a sterile bandage. DO NOT apply ointments, gels, or creams. DO NOT run under water or apply ice. DO NOT attempt to remove the clothing from affected area.
How bad does it hurt to sprain ankle?
A sprained ankle can hurt one person and not another.
It just depends on a few things. First, it can depend on how sensitive you are to pain. My brother broke his arm in 3 places and did not cry, and when I fell off my bike and scraped my knee I was crying.
There are 3 types of sprained ankles: grade 1, grade 2, and grade 3. If you get a grade 1 ankle, you typically will have a little pain, swelling, and tenderness. With grade 1, the ligament is stretched or the fibers of the ligaments are ripped a little. You can tolerate putting your weight on it. With grade 2, some of the fibers are torn but not all of them so there is a big increase in pain, swelling, and tenderness. You usually will have difficulty putting pressure on that ankle. Grade 3 is the worse. The ligament is torn, and you can't put weight on it without a lot of pain. There is a lot of swelling and tenderness. You will need to stay off it (though you should stay off of any sprained ankle).
Remember RICE (Rest (stay off of it), Ice (20-30min), Compression (Ace bandage), and Elevation (for first 48 hours)). A broken or fractured ankle/ foot can free the same as a sprained ankle (there are similar symptoms), so it can be quite painful to have a sprained ankle.
How long does it take for a wound to become infected?
A wound can become infected in seconds, as soon as microbes settle in. If you mean, how long does it take for a wound to show signs of infection, that's different. You should see early signs in as little as 2-3 hours, and certainly in 48 hours. But start that clock when the Infection hits -- not the wound. For example... I can get wounded at 1000 on a Saturday but, because my wife is a nurse, she'll treat the wound instantly and it won't infect. However, on Tuesday, while the wound is still open, I decide to walk barefoot down the creek outside my home. NOW it's infected, and that's when the clock starts. After that creek walk, I should see signs very soon, and I'd expect them to show no later tahn 48 hours. Once the infection starts, it simply gets worse until you clean it up, your body mounts a successful defense, or hopefully both. For minor wounds, wash in warm water and soap -- a lot -- until they're clean. Then apply betadyne, hydrogen peroxide, or both. Don't use alcohol because that will hurt and it isn't a great antiseptic.
What are symptoms of a minor stroke?
symptoms are Transient weakness of an arm and/or leg. Transient sensory loss of an arm and/or leg. Both or either may occur. Visual disturbance. This may be transient loss of vision in one eye or permanent loss of vision in one eye. There may also be loss of vision in both eyes or double vision. Speech disturbances. Aphasia or dysarthia Balance distortion and/or vertigo. They may be other associated symptoms, e.g. visual, swallowing, motor or sensory loss. Signs of a minor stroke * Disorientation * Restlessness * Decreased attention span * Difficulties with comprehension * Forgetfulness * Impaired judgement * Lack of motivation * Emotional difficulties, such as anxiety or mood swings
Where can you buy CPR breathing barriers?
Contact your local American Red Cross. If they do not have them in stock, you can order online from a business like the one on the related link.
