First Aid For Common Injuries

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As much as we'd like for it to be otherwise, injuries happen. Whether you suffer from a skinned knee or a broken arm, knowing how to treat common injuries (as well as knowing when to go to the doctor) is always useful.

What follows is a list of common injuries and some of the most common treatments for them. Should the injury have an odd look to it, excess pain or bleeding, or simply doesn't seem right, consult a doctor or local pharmacist. They may be able to offer better treatment options, or discover an underlying problem that could become severe if left untreated.



Bruises:

Bruises are caused by hits or blunt objects breaking small blood vessels in the skin. The larger the area where the injury occurs is then the darker the bruise will be, since there will be more blood vessels broken and more blood will be in the skin. It is also possible to have sub-dermal bruises, or bruises beneath the skin, which are a result of a blow breaking blood vessels in bone or muscle tissue.


The best treatment for bruises is to simply apply heat and massage the area. There are also creams available to deaden any pain associated with the bruise and to speed the bruise in healing. Should the bruise be especially dark or continues to grow, don't hesitate to consult a doctor.


Abrasions:

Scrapes, scuffs, and abrasions happen when the skin comes in contact with a rough material. Skinned knees or palms are the most common types of abrasions. Bleeding is usually minimal, and the pain often fades quickly.


To treat an abrasion, clean the wounded area well with water and either soap or an alcohol pad. Apply antibacterial ointment, alcohol, or iodine and cover with clean gauze. Keep an eye on it until it is healed for any change in color or puffiness that may indicate more serious conditions.


Cuts:

Depending upon the source, cuts can come in a variety of types; deep or shallow, smooth or jagged, thin or wide.


If the cut is a small one, or barely bleeding, clean the area and apply a bandage. If the cut is larger or bleeding heavily, apply pressure to the wound with a clean cloth and seek medical attention immediately. Cuts that bleed heavily or that are large or jagged may have damaged major veins or arteries, and even if they haven't may require stitches in order to heal correctly.


Sprains:

A sprain is caused when a joint twists in a way that it shouldn't and damages the connective tissue, such as a sprained ankle or wrist. Swelling and pain accompany the injury, and use of the affected joint is extremely limited at best.


The best treatment for a sprain is to keep pressure off of the injured area and to alternate heat and ice on the injury. Use of anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen is also recommended. You may also wish to consult a doctor, as he can not only diagnose whether or not there is any further damage beyond just the sprain, but also may prescribe or recommend specific medicines for the pain and the swelling.

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