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Limbs Disjointed Or Sprained

Sources: Papers On Health

In the case of an overstretch, or

sprain, which has resulted in a hardened, swollen, and painful state of

the muscles of the arm, bathe the arm in hot water, using plenty of

SOAP (see). While the arm lies in this bath, gently squeeze it with

both hands, so as to make the muscles work gently over one another, and

the blood run out and in to the stiff parts. Care must be taken to

avoid hurting the patient. No such effort
is needed as to require great

strength--only so much squeezing as urges the blood out of the part

squeezed, and lets it in again when the pressure is taken off.

Persevere in this for half-an-hour, dry, and rub with warm olive oil.

Do this twice daily until the arm is restored.



In the case of a broken or disjointed arm, FOMENTATION (see) should

be vigorously applied until proper surgical aid can be had to set the

bones. Even where a joint has been a long time out, such fomentation

persevered in will soften the part, and permit of proper setting of the

bones. Cold is unfavourable--cold water a decided mistake in such a

case.



Of course a surgeon should be employed; but if no medical aid can be

obtained, a person who understands anatomy may replace a disjointed

limb by fomenting and oiling the muscles thoroughly, and then watching

for a time when they are relaxed, and when the patient's attention is

not fixed on the joint. This is the moment to slip the bone into its

place. If medical aid can be obtained, it is always safe, while waiting

for the doctor, to foment the broken or disjointed limb. Also a wet

compress worn over the disjointed limb will, with the fomentation, make

it much easier for him, when he comes, properly to set the bones.



When two bones in any part of the body are disjointed, the cords and

muscles which tend to keep them firm in their ordinary position usually

draw the ends past each other so that they overlap. To get the joint

right, the bones must be drawn until the ends can pass each other, and

then they must be brought into their proper position. Compare the

disjointed bones with those same bones in a right position in some

one's body, and thus you will see how they may be drawn right. There is

a way of manipulating the muscles and tendons that in most cases

renders it unnecessary to use much force, therefore the inexperienced

should never draw forcibly. Sometimes a joint will repeatedly fail in

this way. In such a case it may be supported; but means must be used by

hot fomentations to strengthen the joint, and general rubbing,

especially on the spine, must be used to increase vital force.



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