A Sprain is an injury to the soft tissue, or ligaments, around a joint. This sometimes happens when someone moves the wrong way and “twists” something.

            A Dislocation is when the bone becomes separated from the joint it meets, or it pops out of it’s socket. This sometimes happens when the bone and joint are overstressed. They an also be caused by contact sport, rheumatoid arthritis, inborn joint defects, and suddenly jerking that arm or hand of a small child. Dislocation is most common in the shoulders but fingers, hips, ankles, elbows, jaws, and even the spine are also prone to dislocation.

Both of these injuries are commonly confused with fractures (broken bones) because they exhibit many of the same symptoms.  These three injuries result in:

• Pain
• Swelling
• And an inability to move and bear weight
• A misshapen appearance
• Any discoloration

Because of this, the same first aid care can be used for all three of these injuries.

• If you suspect a dislocation do not try to put the bone back into its socket, you may only make the injury worse.
• If you suspect a dislocation in the neck or spine be very careful and do not try to move the person yourself unless absolutely necessary, as damage may have been done to the spinal cord (which may paralyze parts of the body below the injury site.)  If you also suspect an injury this serious call 911 immediately.
• If the site of injury is bleeding then treat the wounds and cuts accordingly, but do not try to reset/reshape the bone or joint.  Also look for signs of shock.
• If the pulse is weak below the affected area call 911 and loosen all restrictive clothing.
• If the person is in severe pain, or the injury is to the neck, spine, hips, or thigh bone, call 911.
• If the joint or bone needs to be repositioned, do not give the person anything to eat or drink as it will put off medical treatment.
• Remove any articles of clothing or jewelry covering the affected area, or restricting blood flow to it.
• You may give over the counter pain medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen as directed by the doctor.  If there is bleeding do not give aspirin because aspirin is a mild blood thinner and will delay clotting.
• Use the PRICE technique
• Protect- if possible make a splint to help immobilize the affected area. Rulers and cloth, rolled up magazines and a belt, branches and shoelaces; all types of things can be used to make a splint.  This will help prevent further damage to the limb.  Do not try to reposition the bone/joint while making the splint.
• Rest- Avoid movement of the injured area and avoid participation in activities where you may be at risk to re-injure yourself until after the wound had had plenty of time to heal.
• Ice- Use ice to minimize swelling.  If no ice is available, a bag of frozen veggies is a good substitute.
• Compression- An elastic or fabric bandage may help decrease swelling and ease the pain. Ask a doctor before using one and make sure the bandage is not wrapped to tightly, which would hinder circulation.
• Elevation- If possible raise the injured limb up above the heart. Support the elevated limb in a sling or under a pillow or folded blanket.

• Wear protective gear and padding especially around recently injured areas
• You should not use the injured area for at least 24-48 hours, to avoid worsening the injury.
• Avoid sports in which you may re-injure the area.

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