Limb injuries can involve damage to bones, joints, ligament, musles, the major blood vessels and nerves of the limb.Depending on the severity, limb inuries may be life-threatening, or cause considerable pain and long term disability. blood loss and shock may result, particularly in cases of multiple injury.

CONTENTS

Bruises

Sprains

Strains

Dislocations

Bruises

These may be caused by falls, blows or crushing. Bleeding into the deep tissues occurs, causing bruising.

Symptons and signs

• pain
• swelling
• bruising
• tenderness

Management

1. RICE

   RICE management R - Rest the casualty and the injured part. I - Ice packs wrapped in cloth may be applied to the injury - 20 minutes on and reapplied every 2 hours for the first 24 hours, then every 4 hours for a further 24 hours. C - Compression bandages,e.g. elastic bandages, shold be applied to extend well beyond the injury. E - Elevate the injured part.

Sprains

these may be caused by falls, blows or crushing. Bleeding into the deep tissues occurs, causing bruising.

Symptons and signs

• pain, which may be quite intense and which will also cause restriction of movement and loss of function
• swelling
• bruising, which may develop quickly.

Management

If in doubt, manage as a fracture.

1. DRABC
2. RICE
3. seek medical aid.

Strains

A strain is the result of overstretching of a muscle or tendon.

Symptons and signs

• pain in the region, usually sharp and with sudden onset
• additional pain on movement, or if the muscle is stretched
• loss of power
• tenderness over the muscle
• sometimes a gap in the muscle.

Management

1. DRABC
2. apply a cold pack over the injured area
3. advise the casualty not to further overstretch the muscle
4. support the injured muscle with a compression bandage
5. encourage gently exercise to reduce painful spasm and/ or shortening of the muscle
6. avoid all rubbling or massage

Dislocations

A islocations occurs when force stretches the ligaments so far that the bones in the joint are pushed out of normal contact with each other.

Symptons and signs

• pain
• inability to move the joint
• deformity
• tenderness over the joint
• rapidly developing swelling and discoloration about the jopint.

Management

If in doubt, manage as a fracture.

1. DRABC
2. do not attempt to reduce the dislocation
3. if a limb:

- check the pulse and if absent, getnly move the limb to try to restore circulation. Seek medical aid urgently

- rest the joint in the most comfortable position

- elevate if possible

- expose the joint and apply cold packs

- use soft padding and bandages to support the joint in the positon in which it was found

• for shoulder dislocations, support the shoulder and arm in the positon of least discomfort and apply ice packs.