Sprains are stretching injuries of ligaments that connect muscles to bones. Ligaments are connective tissue that holds bones together in the skeleton. Sprain occurs only at joints, where two bones are connected. The severity of the injury may vary from a minor stretching that may soon recover fully to a major tear that makes the bony link unstable.
Sprains are classified into 3 categories:
- Severe
- Partial
- Mild
Common Causes of Sprains
- Running or walking on uneven ground
- Wearing high-heeled shoes
- Overstretching of a ligament
- During a fall
- Lifting heavy weight
- Accidents
Home Remedy for Sprains
Tip 1 :
Chop onions. Wrap in a muslin cloth and place on the sprained area.
Tip 2 :
Make a paste of lime leaves and butter. Apply on the affected area.
Tip 3 :
Mix 1 tsp almond oil and 1 tsp garlic oil, apply.
Tip 4 :
Mix 1 tsp raw lime powder and 1 tsp of honey. Apply on the sprain.
Tip 5 :
Warm the outer leaves of a cabbage in hot water and bandage them around the sprain.
Diet for Sprains
Inflammation occurs as a natural response of the body. It leads to the release of histamine, free radicals, hydrogen peroxide and certain enzymes that cause the tissues to dissolve. This aids in healing, but also results in symptoms of pain, swelling and tenderness. There are certain foods that can hasten the process of healing and thus provide relief from discomfort.
- Turmeric is an excellent anti-inflammatory antioxidant which helps to reduce swelling and pain. It also restricts histamine and thus relieves inflammation. Turmeric can be added to various foods.
- Ginger is also an anti-inflammatory agent with powerful antioxidant properties. There have been many studies that support the beneficial effects of powdered ginger root and some of these beneficial effects could help cope with sprains as well. Fresh ginger is also effective. You can consume about 10 grams or ¼ inch slice of fresh ginger.
- Some studies have found the presence of a certain phenolic compound in olive oil which works well in alleviating inflammation. Olive oil is a good inclusion in the diet because it does not elevate the cholesterol levels in the blood.
- Fish oils contain EPA or Eicosapentaenoic Acid which is known to restrict the inflammatory response of the body. It is especially helpful in alleviating chronic inflammatory conditions. Fish oil can be obtained from salmon and tuna.
- Sesamin which is found in sesame oil inhibits the activity of a certain enzyme which is known to help in reducing the symptoms of sprains. It also reduces blood cholesterol levels, lowers blood pressure and elevates the levels of vitamin E in the blood.
Antioxidants help to reduce inflammation caused by sprains and also aids in the healing process. The most effective and powerful antioxidants are:
- Alpha lipoic acid helps to regulate metabolism, control blood sugar levels and protects against cellular damage. This nutrient can be obtained from green leafy vegetables.
- Flavonoids are beneficial for restricting inflammation. They also help to stabilize collagen which is an important part of the tendons. You can take flavonoid supplements such as grape seed extract.
- L-glutathione helps to restrict the harmful effects of free radicals. It also detoxifies the enzymes that are produced by the immune system during injury and inflammation. It is available in the form of dietary supplements.
- Quercetin is an anti-inflammatory phytonutrient that restricts the production of histamine and other substances that are produced during inflammation.
- Vitamin A aids in skin growth and collagen synthesis. It also helps to protect against the inflammation caused by free radicals.
- Zinc aids in wound healing and helps to boost immunity.
