Important: Safety Warning
This page gives first-aid or emergency advice that predates modern medicine and can make an emergency worse. Do not follow it. In any medical emergency, call emergency services and follow current first-aid guidance.
In addition, this page presents medical treatment from an era before modern medicine. The remedies described are ineffective against the conditions named, and some of the ingredients or doses are harmful. Do not use them to treat any illness; consult a qualified medical professional.
This information has been left in for historical purposes but should not be acted upon.
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Treatment of Sprains
The great remedy is rest; when severe, rest for days, to save weeks; the best treatment is warm fomentations at the time of accident, to prevent or reduce the swelling and pain, and arnica, applied by means of rags, to prevent pain and give strength to the part. The tincture of arnica is the preparation used. If the skin is not broken, about 20 to 30 drops, or even, in severe cases, 60 drops may be added to a wine-glassful of water. If the skin is broken, or any abrasion is present, the strength of the tincture must be considerably reduced; from 5 to 10 drops will then be sufficient, and if any redness or inflammation occurs in or about the sprain, in consequence of using the lotion, leave it off at once and use only cold water. A firm bandage will be useful to support the part. Walking should, for a considerable time, be only sparingly indulged in after a severe sprain.