Home care for a ligament sprain includes:
- Apply cold compresses:
- Wrap ice in a moist hand towel. Do not apply ice directly to the skin.
- Apply for 20-30 minutes, every 1-2 hours, for the first few days.
- Elevate your extremity:
- Above your heart if possible
- Apply an ACE wrap.
- Re-wrap the joint every 6 hours.
- Rest the injury.
- Use a walker.
- Use crutches.
- Use a cane.
- Wear a sling.
- Apply a splint.
- The splint may help protect the joint.
- Stretching exercises
- Start exercises after 3 days.
- Gradually increase your activity over 1-2 weeks.
- Acetaminophen for pain
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for pain:
- Take prescribed medications as directed.
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