Sprained muscles and ligaments: a treatment guide from Russian pharmacy USA Apteka

Winter is a time for active sports and various outdoor activities. However, this is also a time when the risk of injury, such as muscle and ligament strains, increases significantly. Slippery roads and increased physical activity can lead to unexpected injuries.

In this article, Russian online Pharmacy USA Apteka will take a look at how to prevent and treat sprains, as well as what Russian remedies and medications you can buy online in the USA for your home first aid kit in case you sprain your ankle or pull a muscle or ligament.

Causes of Sprains and Precautions

Muscle and ligament sprains are among the most common injuries, both in everyday life and during sports activities. They can occur suddenly when muscles or ligaments are overstrained or injured due to unexpected movements.

One of the main causes of sprains is insufficient warming up before physical activity. Many people neglect this step, not realizing that cold muscles are less elastic and prone to injury. Muscle fatigue also plays a significant role. Intense or prolonged exercise without adequate rest can overwork them, making them more vulnerable to sprains. In addition, performing exercises with incorrect technique can lead to improper distribution of stress on the muscles and ligaments, which increases the risk of injury. It is especially important to be careful in winter, as slippery surfaces increase the risk of falls and, as a result, sprains.

To prevent sprains, begin any physical activity with a gentle warm-up. This will prepare your muscles and ligaments for the upcoming load. It is also important to gradually increase the intensity or duration of your workouts to give your body a chance to adapt.

Using proper technique during exercise will help avoid unnecessary stress on your muscles and ligaments. Make sure you wear suitable footwear, especially in winter, to minimize the risk of falls on slippery surfaces. Taking regular breaks from your workouts, as well as maintaining a good level of hydration and a balanced diet rich in protein and micronutrients, will help maintain healthy muscles and ligaments.

By following these simple but effective tips, you can significantly reduce your risk of sprains and other activity-related injuries, especially during the winter when slippery surfaces make us more vulnerable to accidents.

First Aid for Sprains

Sprains are classified into three grades, each with unique symptoms and specific treatment approaches.

1. Grade 1 is characterized by mild discomfort and slight pain in the area of injury. In this case, the muscles or ligaments receive minor damage. The person may feel some tension in the affected area, but overall mobility is usually preserved. For this degree of sprain, it is recommended to use cold compresses to reduce swelling and pain and to rest the affected area for several days.
2. Grade 2 is more severe and involves more intense pain, swelling and possible bruising. In this case, partial tearing of the muscle or ligament fibers occurs. Mobility in the affected area may be limited. In addition to cold compresses, you may need to use an elastic bandage to support and stabilize the injured area. It is also important to ensure adequate rest and avoid putting stress on the injured muscle or ligament.
3. Grade 3 is the most severe form of sprain and involves a complete tear of the muscle or ligament. Symptoms include severe pain, significant swelling, bruising, and complete loss of function in the affected area. In such cases, immediate medical attention is crucial, as treatment may include surgery and an extended period of rehabilitation.

Regardless of the sprain's severity, it's crucial to start first aid immediately to minimize pain and prevent the condition from worsening. The RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) technique is a standard approach to the treatment of sprains

• Rest: Keep the affected area completely at rest to prevent further damage.
• Ice: Applying cold to the injured area helps reduce swelling and relieve pain. Use ice compresses or cold packs, but do not apply ice directly to the skin. Wrap it in a towel or cloth to prevent frostbite. Apply cold for the first 24-48 hours after injury, 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours.
• Compression: Using an elastic bandage will help reduce swelling and support the affected area. However, it is important not to overtighten the bandage so as not to disrupt blood circulation.
• Elevation: Elevate the injured area above heart level to reduce swelling. This can be done by placing your leg or arm on pillows.
  
  

First aid kit for treating sprains

Treating sprains and choosing the right items in your first aid kit are key to speedy recovery and prevention of further damage. For muscle and ligament sprains, it is important to use effective medications to relieve symptoms and speed up the healing process. A first aid kit for treating sprains should include:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Pentalgin. This remedy not only relieves pain but also reduces inflammation, promoting faster recovery.
• Ointments and gels with anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, for example, Diclofenac, Traumeel, Fastum gel, Apizartron and Viprosal. Diclofenac is effective for relieving acute pain, while Traumeel is used to treat milder injuries and promote rapid tissue repair. Fastum gel and Apizartron, containing warming components, help improve blood circulation in the area of injury, which speeds up the healing process.
• Elastic bandages help support the injured area and reduce swelling. Proper use of elastic bandages, along with medication, can significantly accelerate the healing process and prevent complications.

You may also opt for cold packs or gels for compresses, although ice is generally sufficient.

In addition to drug treatment, it is also important to follow the doctor's recommendations and, if necessary, undergo a course of physical therapy or rehabilitation to fully restore muscle and ligament function.

Sprains are a common problem during the winter season, but with the right preventive care and adequate treatment, their impact can be minimized. Remember the importance of injury prevention and always have the necessary first aid supplies on hand. For more information, visit our section on “Back pain, joins & spine”

Our Russian online pharmacy USA Apteka is always near - just in couple if clicks. Order online with us for delivery across America, and enjoy free shipping on orders over $59 to any location in the USA!

Remember that if you are seriously injured, you should consult a doctor. Be careful and take care of your health!