CAUTION

Basic Military Requirements (BMR) Revised Edition
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know what to do if a there is a possibility a shipmate has sustained a strain or a sprain. Sprains A sprain is an injury to the ligaments and soft tissues that support a joint. A sprain is caused by the violent wrenching or twisting of the joint beyond its normal limits of movement. Any joint may be sprained; however, sprains of the ankle, wrist, knee, and finger are most common. SYMPTOMS.—Symptoms of sprains include pain or pressure at the joint, pain upon movement, swelling and tenderness, possible loss of movement, and discoloration. TREATMENT.—Treat all sprains as fractures until ruled out by X-rays. To treat a sprain, you should take the following actions: Application of cold packs for the first 24 to 48 hours. Elevation and rest of the affected area. Application of a snug, smooth, figure-eight bandage to control swelling and to immobilize (keep from moving) the affected area. (NOTE: Check bandaged areas regularly for swelling that might cause circulation problems and loosen bandages if necessary.) After the swelling stops (24 to 48 hours), apply moist heat for short periods (15 to 30 minutes). CAUTION Do not apply heat until 24 hours after the last cold pack. After applying first aid, make sure the victim has a follow-up examination by a medical officer. This exam includes X-rays to rule out fractures. Strains A strain is an injury caused by the forcible over stretching or tearing of a muscle or tendon. A strain may be caused by lifting excessively heavy loads, sudden or violent movements, or any other action that pulls the muscles beyond their normal limits. SYMPTOMS.—Symptoms of strains include pain, lameness or stiffness, moderate swelling at the place of the injury, discoloration caused by blood escaping from injured blood vessels into the tissues, possible loss of power, and a distinct gap felt at the site of the injury. TREATMENT.—To treat a strain, you should take the following actions: Elevate the affected area. Apply cold packs for 24 to 48 hours. After the swelling stops, apply mild heat to increase circulation and aid in healing. NOTE Do not apply heat until 24 hours after the last cold pack. The victim should be evacuated to a medical facility where X-rays can be taken to rule out the possibility of a fracture. 14-23 Student Notes:

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