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Help for sprained ligaments

Medical expert of the article

Orthopedist
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 08.07.2025

Help for sprained ligaments includes, first of all, applying a cold compress and a tight bandage; the injured joint requires maximum rest, otherwise the severity of the injury may increase.

In addition, an anti-inflammatory cream can be applied to the damaged area.

Sprained ligaments are one of the most common injuries that limit a person's mobility. When sprained, ligaments can tear or rupture completely; this injury occurs due to excessive strain or sudden movements.

Usually, the first symptoms of a sprain appear immediately after the injury, but it also happens that swelling and pain can appear several hours after the injury, which can only worsen the situation. Continuing to move, a person further injures the damaged fibers that make up the ligament.

If the injury has caused a ligament rupture, then unusual mobility may be observed in the damaged joint, but the extent of the damage, in any case, should be judged by a specialist.

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First aid for sprained ligaments

First aid for sprained ligaments, if provided promptly and according to all the rules, will help prevent the development of unwanted complications and make the treatment process easier.

First of all, the victim should be laid down (sat down) so that he does not experience discomfort and the damaged joint is at maximum rest.

To immobilize the joint, you need to make a tight bandage using an elastic bandage (you can also use a regular bandage or scarf).

If the joint has acquired unusual mobility, a splint should be made from a small board, a piece of plywood, a ruler or other suitable materials. The splint should be placed on both sides of the injury site and bandaged to immobilize the joint as much as possible.

To reduce swelling and pain, you can apply cold (ice, a towel soaked in ice water, etc.). If bruises appear, you should raise the injured limb, which will help prevent swelling of the periarticular tissues.

Help with foot sprains

Help with a sprained foot is to keep the injured limb as still as possible. The foot should be tightly bandaged and a cold compress should be applied to help reduce pain and swelling.

If there is a risk of a rupture, you need to make a splint from improvised means.

The splint will not only help immobilize the leg, but also support and protect the damaged area. It will also help reduce pain and prevent possible complications of the injury.

When applying a splint, you need to make sure that it immobilizes the joint below and above the site of injury.

You can make a splint from any material that is nearby (cardboard, planks, rolled up magazines, umbrellas, etc.).

During splinting, you need to carefully remove clothing or shoes from the injured leg; if there are open wounds, you need to apply frequent bandages.

It is best to use a splint together, which will help avoid additional injury to the injured leg.

The splint should be applied in such a way that it extends beyond the damage and covers the damaged area on both sides.

A clean towel, sheet, etc. can be placed between the splint and the victim's skin to reduce pressure on the injured body part. When bandaging the splint, make sure that the bandage is not too tight, otherwise blood circulation may be impaired and pain may increase.

A cold compress can only be applied during the first two days after the injury. No more than four procedures are allowed per day. To reduce swelling, it is recommended to keep the leg elevated.

Help for vocal cords

It is important to provide assistance for sprained ligaments immediately after the injury. In case of damage to the vocal cords, the main assistance consists of maximum calming of the vocal cords, i.e. it is recommended to speak only in extreme measures and not to raise the voice too much.

Symptoms of damage to the ligaments include a hoarse voice, often coughing, complete or partial loss of voice. Often there is a sensation of a foreign object in the throat.

Ligament damage can be caused not only by increased stress (loud shouting, singing, etc.), but also by stress, surgery, injuries, viral infections, and tumors.

To help inflamed vocal cords, you need to eliminate irritating factors (dust, talking in raised tones, hypothermia). You should also avoid spicy, salty, sour dishes, cold and carbonated drinks.

Damaged vocal cords need to be kept warm, drink warm (not hot) drinks (tea, preferably with honey).

Help with torn ligaments

Assistance in case of ligament sprain should be provided after preliminary assessment of the severity of the injury. When ligaments are torn, acute pain appears, the limb acquires an unnatural position. With any attempts at movement, the pain increases, swelling appears. Dizziness, nausea, and fainting may also occur.

Movement is significantly limited when ligaments are torn, for example, when ligaments on the foot are torn, flexion of the sole becomes impossible; when knee ligaments are torn, a hematoma forms on the knee, the leg does not straighten/bend; when ligaments in the lower leg are torn, the leg can be observed to shift backwards.

If the ligaments are torn, apply a cold compress to the damaged area and immobilize the joint with a splint.

First aid for torn ligaments

Ankle or knee ligament rupture is the most common injury.

A simple ankle sprain can result in serious injury, especially in older adults.

First aid for sprained or torn ligaments will help prevent further injury and slightly improve the condition of the victim. The main task in case of torn ligaments is to completely immobilize the joint, while it is necessary to ensure immobility not only of the damaged joint, but also of those located above and below the site of injury, the movement of which can cause pain or further tissue injury (for example, in case of damage to the knee ligaments, a bandage or splint should be applied from the hip to the ankle). A cold compress will help reduce pain. Before the ambulance arrives, a tight bandage can be applied to the victim or a splint can be made from improvised means.

If a leg is injured, before providing assistance, you need to remove the victim's shoes, as after some time severe swelling may appear and it will be extremely difficult to do this.

To reduce swelling, the limb can be elevated above body level.

When providing first aid for sprains or ligament ruptures, the basic principle should be followed: rest, cold, fixation.

Help with sprains helps reduce the severe consequences of the injury and alleviate the condition of the victim. When providing first aid, it is important to remember that in the case of a sprain or rupture, you cannot twist, adjust, etc. the injured limb, such manipulations can only worsen the condition. In the case of a sprain or rupture, as already mentioned, you need to immobilize the joint, which will help avoid further injury and reduce pain.

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