MUSCLES, BONES, JOINTS THERE ARE FOUR TYPES OF MUSCLE, BONE AND JOINT INJURIES

FRACTURES A break or disruption in bone tissue Caused by direct or indirect twisting forces Are classified as either open or closed

DISLOCATION This is when a bone is displaced or separated from its normal position at a joint It can be caused by severe direct or indirect twisting forces.

SPRAIN Is a partial or compete tearing or stretching of ligaments and other tissues at a joint It usually results when the bones that form a joint are forced beyond their normal range

STRAIN A stretching of muscle or tendon fibres Usually results from lifting something too heavy or working a muscle too hard

CARE You do not need to know the type of injury; the care you give is the same whether the injury is a fracture, dislocation, sprain or strain. Just follow RI C E

R.I.C.E. REST -do not move or straighten the injured area. IMMOBILIZE - stabilize the area in the position found. Splint the injured part ONLY if the person must be moved and it does not cause more pain. COLD - apply ice for 20 minutes ELEVATE - Don’t elevate injured part if it causes more pain

KEY POINTS A person with an injured lower extremity should not bear weight until advised by a medical professional If an injured extremity is blue or extremely pale. Call or the local emergency number immediately as this may indicate a life-threatening condition.