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.
