Sprain therapy
The first measures to be taken should be based on the “PECH rule“. “P” stands for pause and means that the knee joint must be protected immediately and no further stress should be applied. Next, cooling the knee joint is important – according to the PECH rule “E” for ice.
The cold causes the vessels to contract, i.e. to contract, so that less fluid or blood escapes into the surrounding tissue, thus limiting swelling, bruising and inflammation. Cooling can be achieved using cooling pads, cold compresses or ice spray. It is only important that there is no direct skin contact with the ice, otherwise local frostbite can occur.
The PECH rule is followed by the “C”, which stands for compression. This means that an elastic bandage with a compressive effect should be applied. This bandage pursues the same goal as ice, namely vasoconstriction.Simultaneous cooling and compression is particularly effective.
Ultimately, the affected knee joint must be elevated – “H” for elevated position. The knee joint should be above the level of the heart. It is suitable for this purpose to place a cushion in the hollow of the knee in a lying position or, in an acute situation, to ask a second person to hold the leg up.
This is also an attempt to reduce the swelling of the knee joint. The PECH rule can be applied until the patient is free of symptoms. In the further course of therapy, it is very important to protect the affected knee joint.
This does not mean, however, that no stress is possible. Everyday, moderate stress on the knee joint is okay, but sport should be avoided in any case. As soon as the opportunity arises, elevating the knee joint is beneficial for the healing process.
A bandage to stabilize the joint can also support the healing process. In addition to the PECH-rule, ointments that soothe inflammation and reduce swelling can also be used. Depending on the intensity of the pain, patients can also take painkillers.
Surgical intervention is not necessary for a simple sprain. Only in the case of severe sprains, which cause disproportionately long complaints and are associated with instability and loss of function, should surgical treatment be discussed. The good old home remedies can also help with a sprain.
These aim to counteract the swelling, pain and bruising on the sprained knee. As is also recommended in the PECH rule, cooling a sprain is very important. A simple household remedy is particularly suitable for this: the quark compresses.
With the help of a linen cloth, the curd can be wrapped around the knee, thus quickly providing a pleasant coolness. “. Also a porridge of onions and salt, in combination with ice can cause a similar effect.
Especially popular household remedies are also various oils with which you can soak a linen cloth and then wrap it around the knee. Typical substances that are processed into oils or ointments are lavender, chamomile, comfrey root, thyme, arnica flowers, St. John’s wort and Savior’s spitz. Most of them have anti-inflammatory, decongestant and pain-relieving effects.
The application of clay or healing earth can also be helpful against the swelling of a sprain. Affected people also report that a knee wrap filled with parsley and stiffly beaten egg white can relieve the symptoms of a sprain. The various ingredients are often freely available in pharmacies, so that anyone can make their own oils.
Home remedies can be used in good conscience in addition to the PECH rule. However, if the symptoms do not disappear, it is important to consult a doctor. Homeopathy as an alternative treatment approach and is also suitable for treating sprains.
Various medicines have proven to be effective in the treatment of sprains and are therefore increasingly in demand. Probably the best known remedy is “Arnica“. Arnica counteracts the classic symptoms of a sprain such as pain, swelling and bruising.
Another remedy from the homeopathic field is “Bryonia”. This is used for the pain caused by any injury to the soft tissue. The herb extract “Ruta” is also indicated for sprains.
A last homeopathic medicine worth mentioning is “Rhus toxicodendron“, which also provides relief from the symptoms of sprains. In addition to the drugs mentioned so far, there are many more. If you are interested or need treatment, those affected should seek advice from a homeopath.
The dosage form of each drug varies: ointments, tinctures or globules are conceivable and can be prescribed according to preference. A bandage is an elastic bandage to stabilize the knee joint. In connection with a sprain, the bandage can be used for both prophylactic and therapeutic reasons.
Many athletes therefore often wear a knee bandage as a preventive measure, as it additionally stabilizes the joint. However, wearing a bandage can also be indicated as a therapeutic measure. The close-fitting bandage has a compressive and stabilizing function, so that the healing process after a sprain is promoted. Depending on how the bandage is applied, it can have a tissue massaging effect, which in turn prevents tension or hardening.Wearing the support beyond the recovery period may also be necessary if the sprain is more severe. In this case, stabilization of the knee joint is very important, as full function and load-bearing capacity is only guaranteed after 3 months.
