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Heel Sprained

Sources: Papers On Health

Often in sprains all attention is given to the bruised

and torn muscles, while similarly bruised and torn nerves are

overlooked; yet upon the nerves the perfect healing of the muscles

depends. Hence, in a sprain of the heel we must be careful not to

direct attention to the heel exclusively. That may be bathed (see

Bathing Feet) and duly rubbed with oil. A good plan is to apply cloths

dipped in cold water and vinegar. K
ep the limb perfectly still, and do

not attempt to use it for at least a fortnight. After this it may be

cured to all appearance, yet a weakness may be left which prevents

anything like the full and free use of the limb. It may be all right

when resting, but suffers when used for any length of time: this

indicates pretty plainly that rest is needed, and is an essential

thing for cure. But besides this rest, the foot should be packed during

the night in soap lather (see Lather and Soap). Wash the foot in

vinegar or weak acetic acid, rub the whole limb from the ankle

upwards in such a way as to draw the blood up from the foot, avoiding

all down-strokes. Use a little olive oil in this rubbing. Note that the

whole limb needs treatment. The juice of Lady Wrack, such as is to be

found on the west coast of Scotland, is an excellent remedy for

sprained joints; but we only mention it, as it must be inaccessible to

many of our readers.



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