How to Cure a Sprain Quickly
As soon as possible after the accident, immerse the part in water as hot as can be borne. Add boiling water every few minutes, thus gradually increasing the temperature as the skin becomes accustomed to the heat. The duration of the hot bath should be from fifteen to thirty minutes, or until the pain is relieved. When the heat seems to increase the pain, the part should be removed at once. Now apply a moist cheese-cloth bandage about three inches wide, four thicknesses. The bandage should be ten or fifteen feet in length, and may be prepared while the hot bath is being administered. The roll of bandage should be immersed in very cold water, then squeezed dry, and applied to the foot, if the ankle joint is affected. Beginning at the toes, apply smoothly and snugly all the way to the knee. Over the moist bandage apply several layers of flannel bandage. The bandage should be applied smoothly and snugly so as to retain the heat. The patient should remain in bed with the foot elevated. Renew the hot bath three times a day, each time applying the moist bandage afterward. The moist bandage should be worn day and night. On the second day, after the hot bath, and just before the moist bandage is applied, with the patient lying on his back and the foot raised, friction should be made from the ankle upward toward the knee. The hand may be passed carefully, gently, over the swollen parts from below upward with firm but gentle pressure. The rubbing may be continued for five minutes. On the third day the joint may be moved by an assistant. The movement should be executed slowly by the assistant, and without going so far in either direction as to cause severe pain. After the third day, movements may be applied more freely, and the massage, or rubbing of the joint, may be applied more thoroughly, always working from below upward so as to reduce swelling. By the fifth day, even when the joints are quite badly sprained, the patient may make voluntary use of the foot, and may walk by exercising extreme care.—Selected.