Things You'll Need:
- Knowledge of anatomy or the muscular system
- First-aid advice
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Step 1
Be informed. Arm yourself with knowledge about first aid so you can be of use when someone is injured while camping, hiking or playing a sport. Learn common signs of and remedies for sprains and other conditions in "Handbook of First Aid and Emergency Care" (see Resources below).
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Step 2
Understand how sprains are caused in order to know which area to treat. A sprain is a tear in a ligament, which surrounds a joint, and may include its adjacent muscle tissue.
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Step 3
Localize an injury by knowing about anatomy. For instance, sprains and strains happen to ligaments, muscles and tendons, not to bones or joints. See an illustration of the muscular system at the Sports Fitness Advisor website (see Resources below).
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Step 4
Assess the injury. Sudden, sharp, persistent pain is the first sign of a sprain. The victim may have trouble moving that section of the body.
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Step 5
Be observant and ask the right questions. Look for redness, bruising or swelling to develop. Note whether pain is constant, indicating a sprain, or whether it is intermittent or shooting, suggesting a more serious injury in which a visit to a doctor is warranted.
