First Aid for Minor Injuries
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| 1. Minor injury | 2. Rest | 3. Apply ice | 4.Elevate the injured body part |
We recommend the following first aid in case of minor injuries such as sprains (strains), tendonitis or bursitis.
Rest the injured body part
- For a leg: use crutches to avoid putting weight on the injured leg
- For an arm: avoid using the injured arm and support it with a sling.
- For your back: remain lying down on your back or side.
- For your neck: keep your head supported or find the most comfortable position.
Apply ice
Apply ice for 15 minutes at a time, 4 to 6 times a day, or every hour in very acute cases until the pain or swelling goes away. Use a bag of frozen vegetables (corn or peas), crushed ice or a drugstore gel pack wrapped it in a damp towel.
Elevate the injured body part
Swollen legs or arms should be kept in an elevated or horizontal position as much as possible.
Do not forget the basic rules of first aid:
REST—ICE— ELEVATE
In case of major injuries or if swelling and pain last more than 24 hours, consult your physiotherapist or doctor.
Disclaimer
The information published on this website is provided for information purposes only and is not meant to replace the advice of an occupational therapist, physiotherapist, doctor or other health professional. We encourage you to consult a health professional regarding your condition. Although the content of our site has been verified, we do not guarantee the medical accuracy of the information published.






