| |
While these damaged cells remain this can cause a permanent restriction to movement. It is important therefore not only to use anti-inflammatory treatment (to prevent fluid build-up) at the time of the incident but also to clear the damaged tissue away to remove the blockage. This is achieved through remedial massage. The body will heal itself. This is encouraged by eating fruit and vegetables that contain the nutrients that speed recovery. Massage helps by increasing the blood and lymph flow: removing damaged cells, preventing infection, supplying oxygen and nutrients. It also relaxes any muscles that have remained contracted from the time of the injury. Immediate action to take: Stop. Put Arnica lotion on the injury and take Arnica tablets. This minimises the damage in an extraordinary way especially if you can put the lotion on within a minute before it begins to swell. I carry these with me; if I don’t have a bag I put a few tablets in a polybag and a small bottle of lotion in my pocket. This is sufficient emergency treatment until you can rest your leg. Traditionally injuries are iced at this point to reduce swelling and pain, repeated for 10 minutes every 2 hours. Opinion is divided about the efficacy of icing for periods longer than 24 hours. I feel that it is better not to slow down the body’s healing efforts with cold. However if arnica is not available ice reduces the initial swelling. Then the area needs to be raised to help prevent swelling further. Later action to take: Rest. Keep weight off leg, depending on severity of injury, rest for 24 hours, use crutches if necessary. Keep leg elevated. | ||
| | |
| | | | |
CATHERINE HOLLAND Tel: 0701 7415310 Email: catherine@catherineholland.co.uk | |
| |