A sprain or a break can happen to anyone at any time. Even though
these injuries will be painful, if you take care of the person properly
before they get professional treatment, it could be the difference
between a permanent disfigurement and a quick healing time.
Sprains vs. Breaks
A sprain is one step below a break. Here, the muscles and tissues surrounding the bone may get torn or severely damaged. Stretching of these muscles and tissues can lead to an immense amount of pain and trouble. A break takes it to the next level. Here, the bone gets broken in one or more areas. While a sprain usually occurs in areas that have joints, a break can occur anywhere in the body. They are also known as fractures and they are a lot more severe than sprains. Usually, you will hear a 'snap' like sound when you get injured and the bone has broken. The area will swell a lot, get numb and start to turn a bluish color. The best way to figure out if you have a break in the bone is to get an x-ray. If the bone is intact at the injured area, it is more likely that you have a bad sprain.
Types of Fractures
There are four different types of fractures or ways that the bone gets broken. If there is a clean break in the bone, separating it into two pieces, it is a simple fracture. A comminuted fracture occurs when there are many breaks in the same bone. A compound fracture is when the skin is broken and pierces the skin. A green stick fracture commonly occurs in children and this where the bone bends and breaks.
Treating a Sprain or Break
The most important thing to do when a person is injured is to rush them to the emergency room. While you are waiting, there are a few things you can do to keep the injury under control.
First, make sure that the person stays as immobile as possible. The area that has suffered the injury should be kept completely still so that there is no further injury. Ideally, bandaging or tying up the area will help to keep it immobile.
Next, help the person breathe normally. Ensure that the airways are clear and the circulation is good. Remind the injured person to keep taking deep breaths. You should also avoid giving the person any kind of medication since it may block the airways or cause more problems to the injured area.
Sprains vs. Breaks
A sprain is one step below a break. Here, the muscles and tissues surrounding the bone may get torn or severely damaged. Stretching of these muscles and tissues can lead to an immense amount of pain and trouble. A break takes it to the next level. Here, the bone gets broken in one or more areas. While a sprain usually occurs in areas that have joints, a break can occur anywhere in the body. They are also known as fractures and they are a lot more severe than sprains. Usually, you will hear a 'snap' like sound when you get injured and the bone has broken. The area will swell a lot, get numb and start to turn a bluish color. The best way to figure out if you have a break in the bone is to get an x-ray. If the bone is intact at the injured area, it is more likely that you have a bad sprain.
Types of Fractures
There are four different types of fractures or ways that the bone gets broken. If there is a clean break in the bone, separating it into two pieces, it is a simple fracture. A comminuted fracture occurs when there are many breaks in the same bone. A compound fracture is when the skin is broken and pierces the skin. A green stick fracture commonly occurs in children and this where the bone bends and breaks.
Treating a Sprain or Break
The most important thing to do when a person is injured is to rush them to the emergency room. While you are waiting, there are a few things you can do to keep the injury under control.
First, make sure that the person stays as immobile as possible. The area that has suffered the injury should be kept completely still so that there is no further injury. Ideally, bandaging or tying up the area will help to keep it immobile.
Next, help the person breathe normally. Ensure that the airways are clear and the circulation is good. Remind the injured person to keep taking deep breaths. You should also avoid giving the person any kind of medication since it may block the airways or cause more problems to the injured area.
