- Why Does Swelling Occur?
- How Does Cold Therapy Work?
- What's the difference between a sprain and a strain?
- What are the Benefits of Magnets and Magnetic Therapy?
Q. Why Does Swelling Occur?
A. Swelling is a natural inflammatory reaction of the body to injury. It occurs when damage occurs to the small blood vessels called capillaries which leak fluid into the surrounding tissue. The increased blood flow is largely responsible for the telltale symptoms of inflammation. The rush of warm blood causes redness, heat and swelling. At the same time, pressure from the swelling and the accumulation of immune cells, along with the destructive chemicals released by the cells, irritate local nerve endings and cause pain.
Three major events occur during the inflammatory response:
- Vasodialation-An increased blood supply to the tissue which signifies that tissue is ''in danger''.
- Increased capillary permeability- The capillaries permit larger molecules than usual to all of the cells needed for healing to get to the site faster.
- Infection Protection-The cells used to help fight infection seep out of the capillaries and into the injured tissue to start fighting any infection and cleaning up the injured sites bi-products.
These events signify the importance of the swelling process.
Q. How Does Cold Therapy Work?
A. Cold therapy application causes blood vessels to become smaller in diameter. This constriction limits the amount of blood coming to the injured area, therefore less fluid leaks into the injured tissue. Cold therapy will help minimize the complications of swelling by decreasing the leakage of fluids and increasing the rate of re-absorption of unwanted fluid in the injured tissues. It is important to remember that swelling is a natural occurrence, you don't want to stop the swelling, but you want to control the swelling so there is not as much pain. Applying ice for too long can cause problems and delay the healing process. Always apply ice in a safe and controlled manner. Never apply ice if you have a sensation loss.
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Q. What's the difference between a sprain and a strain?
A. A sprain is an injury to a ligament, and a strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon. Strains can occur without a sprain, however when you have a sprain, you will almost always have a strain.
Ankle sprains are graded by the location of the injury and the degree of damage to the ligament (the tough fibrous tissue that holds the ankle together). Typically we speak about a grade I, 2 or 3 ankle sprain. These sprains can hurt when they first happen but usually calm down for an hour or so. As they start to swell they begin to hurt more and become discolored, depending upon the extent of injury. The worse the sprain, the more intense the swelling and bruising.
Mild/Grade 1:
This grade is given when the body has been taken past it's normal range of motion and the ligaments that hold the joints together have been overstretched but not torn. The usual symptoms include little to no swelling, which is usually localized directly over the sprained joint. Mild pain and mildly limited range of motion is also present. Weight bearing and walking are still possible. Usually you can resume normal activities within 1-2 weeks.
Treatment for Grade 1 Ankle Sprain
Moderate/Grade 2:
This is the most common type of sprain and can include the relatively mild, partial ligament tears with a little swelling to severe ankle sprains that inhibit weight bearing or use of the joint. Symptoms can include intense swelling, moderate pain and moderate loss of motion or use of the joint. Walking can be impaired. Normal activities can usually be resumed within 2 to 4 weeks of the injury.
Treatment for Grade 2 Ankle Sprain
Severe/Grade 3:
This injury is much less common and requires medical evaluation and care. This grade is for 50% to complete tearing of the ligament. The symptoms are intense swelling, extreme loss of motion, intense pain and painful weight bearing. The healing time is usually 12 weeks to 1 years and can become a chronic condition depending on the way the ligament is repaired or the way it heals.
Treatment for Grade 3 Ankle Sprain
Q. What are the Benefits of Magnets and Magnetic Therapy?
A. A negative magnetic field normalizes the disturbed metabolic functions that cause painful conditions such as cellular edema, cellular acidosis, lack of oxygen to the cells and infection. A positive magnetic field on the other hand can increase pain due to its interference with normal metabolic function Wear the product for a significant period of time. Therapeutic magnets won't help if you don't use them. For pain in the hands, keep a bracelet or a wrist wrap on continuously if possible. The reason we suggest putting something around the wrist when the pain is in the hands, is because all the blood that is supplied to the hand travels through the wrist. Cooperate with the natural cycles of your body. While the body is at rest, a great deal of healing and rejuvenation occurs. If you offer the body extra energy by way of therapeutic magnets you are making the body more efficient. For painful hands some people wear the Expansion Bracelet during the day and the High Powered Wrist Wrap at night. Design your own wearing schedule We are each filled with universal life force energy. It is the essence of our being, our consciousness, our soul. As the flow of life force energy moves through the physical, emotional, and spiritual bodies, it can become imbalanced, stagnant, or blocked. We experience what is called dis-ease. Disease, as the term suggests, is lack of ease. It is the inability of one's life force energy to flow freely. . Every thing exists in the form of energy
Do Not Use Magnets under the following circumstances. 1. on the abdomen during pregnancy. 2. When wearing a pacemaker, or any other implanted medical device, unless you check first with the manufacturer. 3. On an area of acute injury, such as a sprain. 4. Within the same anatomical area, when wearing a transdermal drug patch. 5. On your abdomen for 60-90 minutes following meals.
***The information, including opinions and recommendations, contained in the Web site is for general educational purposes only. Such information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. No one should act upon any information on this Web site without first seeking medical advice from a qualified medical physician with whom they have a confidential doctor/patient relationship.***
Author: Dr. Tracy A. Norris D.C., C.C.E.P.
Chiropractic Physician
Certified Chiropractic Extremity Practitioner
