Treatment for Strains & Sprains

by: José Zarzuela, M.D.

With the great summer weather, more of my patients are hitting the tennis court, biking, running or taking up water sports. But with more- or new- activities can come minor sports-related injuries.

The first-course of treatment I recommend for most minor sprains (twisted or wrenched ligaments) and strains (overstretched muscles or tendons) is the PRICE method:

• Protect the injured area
• Rest the affected limb or area
• Ice or apply a cold pack right after injury
• Compress lightly with an ace bandage or brace
• Elevate the injured limb to reduce swelling and speed healing

If you don’t feel improvement in a few days, follow up with your doctor.

Dr. José Zarzuela practices at the MPCP Pasadena office.