How to Treat Swelling

Let's face it. We all have accidents from time to time that may cause us to injure various parts of our bodies. A sprained ankle from running; a twisted wrist from lifting something too heavy; a fall down the stairs: These are all common everyday occurrences. Unfortunately, most of these types of accidents will involve some form of swelling. Consequently, it is important to know how to treat swelling when it does happen. Read on to learn how to treat swelling.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• A place to sit or lie down
• A pillow
• Ice packs
• Heat packs
• Anti-inflammatory medication

1. Stop whatever you were doing at the time of the injury that resulted in swelling. Take a break; arrange for someone else to finish the job; or put it off until you are certain that your injury is not severe.
2. Sit or lie down and elevate the injured body part at the same or above the heart level if at all possible. This will help to reduce the amount of swelling that might occur.
3. Apply ice to the injured area. If the swelling does not go down within a couple of hours, or if it continues to build, try a mild heat pack instead. Some injuries even respond best to a course of alternating hot and cold packs. If you are at all uncertain which to use, check with a physician.
4. Take an anti-inflammatory medication like aspirin or Motrin. This will help to reduce the amount of inflamed tissue. Be sure to take only the dosage recommended.
5. Drink plenty of liquids, preferably something water-based, to help your body regulate itself to heal the injury.
6. Remain in a cool environment so that your skin is not subjected to excess heat that might cause the swelling to become worse.
7. Avoid excessive standing if the injury is to the leg area. However, do not just sit or lie down until swelling is totally gone. It is important to move the body part for proper circulation. This will actually help the body to heal faster. Just do everything in reasonable moderation until the injury is healed.
8. If swelling increases or does not subside, or if the injured area becomes red or otherwise discolored or excessively sore, call a physician immediately.

Tips & Warnings

• Call 911 if the injury is an emergency situation.
• Feel free to contact your physician for specific instructions on how to handle your injury.
• Ask for assistance if you need it instead of risking further damage trying to do everything yourself.
• Keep ice packs light enough that they do not add excess pressure to the injury.
• Never ignore an injury, especially one that results in swelling.
• Do not continue to work or play with an injury as you could make it worse, resulting in long-term or permanent damage.
• Never take more medication than the recommended dosage.
• Make certain that hot packs, if used, at not so hot that they might burn the skin.