A sprain is the stretching or tearing of a ligament (fibrous tissue that holds bones together) and a sprain is the stretching or tearing of a muscle or tendon. According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common location of a sprain is in your ankle. Strains most commonly occur in the back muscles or in your hamstring muscles. Sprains and strains are associated with pain, swelling, bruising and a decreased range of motion. Applying proper first aid principles will reduce symptoms and assist in healing of your injury.
Rest
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends that you refrain from activity that involves the injured muscle, tendon or ligament until your symptoms improve and you can tolerate it. Immediately immobilizing an injury will prevent further damage and will allow the healing process to begin. If you can't walk more than a few feet, can't move your joint, have numbness around the injured area or note severe redness, seek immediate medical treatment. A severe sprain or strain may require surgical repair, followed by months of rest and physical therapy.
Ice
Applying ice to the injury is a component of first aid that should be implemented, according to the AAOS. Ice can significantly reduce pain, swelling and inflammation by constricting blood vessels in the injured area that are causing these symptoms. Apply an ice pack, or a pack of frozen fruits or vegetables to the injured area for 20 minutes, then, remove it for 20 minutes. Repeat this process as often as possible throughout the day. Do not apply an ice pack to a cut without first properly bandaging the wound or you will risk getting an infection.
Medications
Mild sprains and strains will likely respond to over-the-counter medications, according to the Mayo Clinic. Specifically, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, or NSAIDs, such as Aleve, Advil or Motrin, can reduce pain and inflammation associated with your injury. Be sure to use these medications as directed on the drug label. Do not use them in greater dosages or for longer time periods than recommended, because you can increase your risk for stomach, liver or kidney damage.
Elevation
Elevate your injury above the level of your heart to reduce swelling, the AAOS recommends. This will reduce the effect of gravity on swelling, which can also result in a reduction of pain. While it may be difficult to elevate your injury during the day, try to make a point to keep it elevated while lounging or sleeping.
Compression
The AAOS states that you should apply a wrap to your ankle to reduce further swelling. Wrap the bandage starting at the most distal part of the injury. Be sure that your skin is not pale or blue after wrapping and make sure that you have complete sensation after wrapping. If you do not, your wrap may be too tight. Rewrap your injury and double check for numbness or discoloration.
