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Sprains and strains - Management
How should I advise a person with a sprain or strain?
- Advise the person on protection, rest, ice, compression, and elevation (PRICE) to manage their injury.
- Advise the person to avoid heat, alcohol, running (or other exercise), and massage (HARM) in the first 72 hours after the injury.
- Use analgesia if necessary.
- For sprains: do not immobilize the joint. Begin flexibility (range of motion) exercises as soon as they can be tolerated without excessive pain.
- For strains: immobilize the injured muscle for the first few days after the injury. Consider the use of crutches in severe injuries. Consider starting active mobilization after a few days.
In depth
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