Domestic Encyclopædia (1802)/Sprain

SPRAIN, denotes an extension of the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, without dislocation: it generally proceeds from external injury; and is attended with pain, swelling, and inflammation. In treating this local affection, the first object should be, to check the swelling, and prevent the inflammatory symptoms. For this purpose, cold, astringent fomentations with water, ice, vinegar, &c. or, in a very recent case, camphorated spirit of wine, must be applied as speedily as possible: to relieve pain, where it is considerable, a few drops of laudanum may be added to the lotion.—The regimen recommended under the article inflammation, will here likewise be proper.—During, and for some time after, this treatment, the sprained part should be kept in a state of rest and relaxation.