JOINTS 367 



659. Sprains. When a joint is bent to a greater ex- 

 tent than is natural, the ligaments and muscles are 

 stretched and often torn. Then there will be great 

 swelling and pain. When this accident happens, the 

 joint should at once be put in water as hot as can be 

 borne, while more hot water is added from time to time to 

 keep up the temperature of the water. The joint should 

 have rest for some time after the injury. Recovery is 

 apt to be slow. 



660. Dislocations. When the bones of a joint are 

 forced apart, the joint is dislocated, or out of joint. 



In a dislocation, the ligaments are always torn. Then 

 bleeding will take place, and there will be great pain and 

 swelling, while only slight movements of the limb will be 

 possible. 



In a dislocation, the muscles around the joint are irri- 

 tated, and so contract and hold the bone away from its 

 socket. Often it is necessary to make a person insensible 

 with ether before the muscles will relax enough to get the 

 joint in place. 



When a joint is dislocated, the limb should be kept as 

 quiet as possible by binding a splint above and below the 

 joint, as in a broken bone. 



661. Inflammation of joints. Sometimes the synovial mem- 

 brane becomes inflamed and pours out a quantity of thin fluid which 

 distends the joint and produces great pain. In rheumatism this often 

 occurs. Sometimes a blow or a wrench may cause it. 



Sometimes waste matter of the body is deposited in the synovial 

 membrane and cartilage. This produces great pain and tenderness 

 and constitutes an attack of gout. The great toe joint is especially 

 liable to this disease. 



Sometimes the cartilage and ends of the bone become distorted and 

 rough, or form hard swellings. Then the limbs cannot be bent without 

 producing pain and a creaking sensation. This change naturally occurs 



