The most effective treatment for a sprain is a cold compress, and firm but not too tight, strapping with a crepe bandage. A SPRAIN SHOULD NEVER BE MASSAGED. The description sprain is used for a joint injury in which the ligament which supports that joint has been damaged. The joint will be swollen and often feel hot, and will usually be too painful to prevent it being used normally. Analgesic essential oils such as Lavender or Camomile are the most helpful, and will help to reduce inflammation and heat while easing the pain. The joint should be rested as much as possible, and strapping is important to provide support until the ligament has healed. The less the joint is moved, the sooner the ligament can mend.

Cold compresses should be repeated as often as possible.

The ankle is the joint which is most often sprained. If any other joints appear to be sprained, treat them very carefully and refer to a doctor, as the swelling may be due to a small fracture, synovitis or other cause.

Here is a recipe from “The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy ” by Valerie Ann Worwood that you can try for a leg sprain:

“For overstretching of the ligaments in the legs, use an ice pack 4 times a day for 20 minutes at a time. Afterwards massage with the following:

* Rosemary 10 drops
* Eucalyptus 10 drops
* Peppermint 10 drops

Dilute this mixture in 2 tablespoons of Massage Oil

After 48 hours change to hot compresses, on which you have placed 2 drops each of Rosemary and Lavender. Between treatments Keep the leg wrapped with an elastic bandage and periodically massage the whole of the leg from the ankle to the thigh.”

See the entry under COMPRESSES for the method of making and applying them.

Click on the following link to buy The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy ” by Valerie Ann Worwood, from Amazon.