Bruises, strains & sprains - Treatments

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Bruises
Strains

Bruises

You can reduce the pain and swelling of a large bruise by applying a cold compress as soon as you can. Soak a cloth in cold water and gently place it on the bruise, refreshing the cloth every 15 minutes. A bag of frozen peas or ice cubes wrapped in a cloth is a good alternative. If you’ve bruised your finger, hold it under a cold running tap.

Strains and sprains

There’s an easy way to remember how to treat strains and sprains – just think: ‘RICE’, which stands for 'rest, ice, compression and elevation’:

Rest – attempting to use an injured limb may cause more damage, so rest the affected area.
Ice – as with bruises, you can reduce the pain and swelling by applying a cold compress, or ice, as soon as possible.
Compression – to reduce swelling and aid support, apply a firm support bandage to the affected area. Make sure the bandage isn’t so tight that it restricts your circulation.
Elevate – finally, raise the injured limb so that it is higher than your heart.

In addition to the above, painkillers – such as aspirin, ibuprofen and paracetamol – can help relieve pain, while aspirin and ibuprofen will help reduce inflammation. However, if you’re taking painkillers, remember that although you can’t feel the pain it’s important you’re not tempted to overuse the injured area and make it worse. When you start to use the muscle or limb again, do so gradually. Remember, children under the age of 16 should not be given aspirin.

When the initial pain eases off, it can help to massage a suitable rub or liniment into the skin around the injured area. Massaging also helps strained muscles that have gone into spasm.

You’ll find a wide variety of rubs and liniments at your Boots pharmacy. Make sure you don’t use these products near your face, or if the skin is cut or grazed. Anti-inflammatory gels or creams may be useful for painful strains and sprains, but don’t apply them to broken skin.

This information does not replace medical advice. If you are concerned you might have a medical problem please ask your Boots pharmacy team in your local Boots store, or see your doctor.