Leg Injury

When to Call for Leg Injury

Care Advice for Minor Leg Injuries

1. What You Should Know About Minor Leg Injuries:
   • During sports and activities, muscles and bones get bruised.
   • Muscles get stretched.
   • These injuries can be treated at home.
   • Here is some care advice that should help.
2. Pulled Muscle, Bruised Muscle or Bruised Bone Treatment:
   • Pain Medicine. To help with the pain, take an acetaminophen product (such as Tylenol). Another choice is an ibuprofen product (such as Advil). Use as needed. Ibuprofen works better for this type of pain.
   • Cold Pack. For pain or swelling, use a cold pack. You can also use ice wrapped in a wet cloth. Put it on the sore muscles for 20 minutes. Repeat 4 times on the first day, then as needed. Reason: helps with the pain and helps stop any bleeding. Caution: avoid frostbite by wrapping the ice or cold pack. Don’t put the ice or cold pack directly on the skin.
   • Heat Pack after 48 Hours. If pain lasts more than 2 days, put heat on the sore muscle. Use a heat pack, heating pad or warm wet washcloth. Do this for 10 minutes, then as needed. Caution: avoid burns by wrapping the heat pack. Don’t put it directly on the skin. For stiffness all over, take a hot bath instead. Move the sore leg muscles under the warm water.
   • Rest. Rest the injured part as much as possible for 48 hours. Keep the toes and other joints moving gently, if you can.
3. Mild Sprains (stretched ligaments) of Ankle or Knee Treatment:
   • First Aid: apply ice now to reduce bleeding, swelling, and pain. The more bleeding and swelling there is, the longer it will take to get better. Wrap with an elastic bandage.
   • Pain Medicine. To help with the pain, take an acetaminophen product (such as Tylenol). Another choice is an ibuprofen product (such as Advil). Use as needed but do not take more than the maximum recommended dose as listed on the package. Continue for at least 48 hours.
   • Treat with R.I.C.E. (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) for the first 24 to 48 hours.
   • Rest. Rest the injured part as much as possible for 48 hours. Keep the toes and other joints moving gently, if you can.
   • Ice or Cold Pack: For pain or swelling, use a cold pack. You can also use ice wrapped in a wet cloth. Put it on the ankle or knee for 20 minutes. Repeat 4 times on the first day, then as needed. Reason: helps with the pain and helps stop any bleeding. Caution: avoid frostbite by wrapping the ice or cold pack. Don’t put the ice or cold pack directly on the skin.
   • Apply compression with a snug, elastic bandage for 48 hours. Numbness, tingling, or increased pain means the bandage is too tight.
   • Elevate. Keep the injured ankle or knee elevated and at rest for 24 hours. After 24 hours, do any activity that doesn't cause pain.
4. Small Cut or Scrape Treatment
   • Use direct pressure to stop any bleeding. Do this for 10 minutes or until the bleeding stops.
   • Wash the wound with soap and water for 5 minutes. Try to rinse the cut under running water if you can, or in the shower.
   • Gently scrub out any dirt with a washcloth.
   • Use an antibiotic ointment (such as Polysporin). No prescription is needed. Then, cover with a bandage. Change daily.
5. What to Expect:
   • Pain and swelling most often peak on day 2 or 3.
   • Swelling should be gone by 7 days.
   • Pain may take 2 weeks to fully go away.
6. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Pain is getting worse or becomes severe
   • Pain is not better after 3 days
   • Sudden increase in pain and/or swelling a few days after the injury
   • Pain lasts more than 2 weeks
   • You think you need to be seen
   • Your symptoms get worse or are not improving

And remember, contact your doctor if you develop any of the 'Call Your Doctor' symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.