CHAPTER V. 



CARE OF THE JOINTS AND MUSCLES. 



1. Dislocations and Sprains. When we slip or stumble, 

 some joint has to share with the bones the strain of our 

 effort to recover our balance; or the weight of the body 

 if we fall. Accidents to the joints are accordingly quite 

 frequent, and it is important to know how to manage 

 them until medical aid can be obtained. A sprain is an 

 injury in which the ends of the bones remain in place 

 but the ligaments are stretched or twisted or torn. In 

 a dislocation, the ligaments of the joint are torn, and 

 the ends of the bones forced out of their proper posi- 

 tions. 



2. How to Treat a Sprain. The most important point is 

 to give the joint complete rest. The injured ligaments 

 become swollen and painful, and movement makes them 

 worse. In the case of sprains of the finger and wrist the 

 inflammation is often slight, and can be controlled by 

 wrapping the joint in a moderately tight bandage for a 

 few days, and keeping the arm in a sling so as to hinder it 

 from being used. If the pain and swelling are great, the 

 bandage should be kept wet with cold water. Sprains 



1. Why are accidents to the joints frequent? What is a sprain? 

 A dislocation ? 



2. What does a sprained joint most require ? Why ? How may a 

 slight sprain of a finger or wrist be treated? What should be done 

 when a knee or ankle is sprained ? 



