Sprains and strains are usually minor injuries that often occur during sports, exercise or other physical activities. A sprain is an injury to a ligament, the tissue that links bones together at the joints, and they happen most often in the ankle, knee, elbow or wrist.
Strains are tears in muscle tissue, and this happens most often in the muscles that support the calf, thigh, groin and shoulder. Sometimes sprains and strains can be severe and require weeks of rehabilitation.
There are alternative ways that are said to be beneficial in helping a patient recover from sprain or strain. You can do these in conjunction with following proper medication and physical therapy as prescribed by a doctor in order to get your body fully recovered and back to doing what you love.
Taking herbal supplements
There are certain herbs that help strengthen and tone the body’s systems. Herbs come in different forms such as dried extracts (capsules, powders or teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts) or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Be sure to follow product labels on how to prepare them and read the allergen information before intake. Please also consult first with your doctor before starting any herbal treatments.
Herbs like turmeric (Curcuma longa), white willow (Salix alba) and horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) are known to help reduce tenderness and swelling as well as relieve pain. If you take anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin), clopidogrel (Plavix) or aspirin, you should not take these herbs without first talking to your doctors. Patients who have kidney problems, gallstones or gallbladder issues should also avoid taking these herbs.
Taking an Epsom salt bath
After a few days following the injury, you can soak your body in a warm bath with Epsom salt. Epsom salt soothes sore muscles and connective tissues, and it may help with joint stiffness. Try adding Epsom salts to a warm or somewhat hot bath one or two times per day.
Applying natural oils to the injured area
A variety of natural anti-inflammatory ingredients can be found in your pantry. If you want to try a traditional poultice to help reduce swelling, consider using castor oil or olive oil. Gently heat any of these ingredients and apply to your sprained ankle, for example, and then wrap the ankle in a bandage for several hours. Research on the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory oils is mixed, but these are unlikely to harm you and may promote healing.
Go for acupuncture
Acupuncture appears to help sprains and strains. Acupuncturists often apply moxibustion (a technique in which the herb mugwort is burned over specific acupuncture points) in combination with needling in order to strengthen or deepen the treatment for sprains and strains.
Undergo chiropractic care
Many people visit chiropractors for sprain and strain injuries. In addition to joint manipulation, chiropractors use other treatments for sprains and strains such as using ice, heat, ultrasound or electrical muscle stimulation. Chiropractors may also recommend stretching and strengthening exercises to help you recover. For example, a balance training program helps reduce the risk of future ankle sprains since the exercises strengthen multiple muscles and tendons in the area.
Go for massage therapy
Therapeutic massages may help increase circulation and relieve spasms in the surrounding muscles of the injured area. If the injury is particularly severe or painful, a person should seek advice from a qualified massage therapist.
For less severe injuries, a person can try a gentle massage at home. Some people with an ankle sprain find that massaging the bottom of the foot or heel provides relief, while others prefer to massage around or just above the ankle.
A person should stop massaging the area if it causes pain or worsens symptoms.
Before doing any of the above, always consult your physician first
Although it is helpful to get health information by reading, make sure you consult with your doctor first before trying any new treatment or changing your diet. Remember that the US Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate the strength, purity or safety of herbs and supplements. Also, always be sure to always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs or supplements, speak with your doctor before taking medical action or changing your health routine. This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Magic Gel disclaims any liability for the decisions made by its readers based on the information provided.
Got a question or anything I can help with? My name is Steve Stretton, and I’m the owner and manager at Gelpacks.com. You can drop me a line here. Good luck!