How to eliminate swelling caused by trauma

In daily life, if there is trauma, swelling will occur at the wound site. This is also a common symptom. When trauma swelling occurs, it is necessary to prevent infection and take anti-inflammatory measures in time. Certain medications can be used to relieve swelling and relieve pain. For example, ice compresses can be used to relieve the pain, pressure bandages can be used, and so on.

How to eliminate swelling caused by trauma

1. Rest

The first thing to do after trauma treatment is to rest and limit the activity of the injured limb to reduce bleeding, relieve limb swelling and pain, and prevent further injury.

2. Ice compress:

Apply local cold compress in the early stage and local hot compress after 2 days. The cause of early swelling after trauma is often due to rupture and bleeding of small blood vessels. Cold compress can cause blood vessels to contract, which is beneficial to blood coagulation in ruptured blood vessels, reducing further bleeding and preventing local swelling from aggravating. 2 days after trauma, bleeding has stopped and the cause of limb swelling is due to local blood stasis. Hot compress can accelerate blood circulation in the limbs, speed up the absorption of local blood stasis, and make the swelling subside as soon as possible. When using, the temperature of the ice pack should be maintained at 0℃ as much as possible to avoid frostbite or failure to achieve the cooling effect. Apply ice for 15 to 30 minutes each time. Repeat until the local pain disappears.

3. Pressure bandage:

Applying pressure bandage to the affected limb can, on the one hand, increase the internal pressure of the damaged tissue, promote the closure of small blood vessels and reduce bleeding; on the other hand, it can reduce exudation and alleviate limb swelling. There is a certain skill in applying pressure to the affected limb with an elastic bandage. The "surface" pressure technique must be used so that the entire affected limb is evenly compressed, and the tightness must be moderate. If it is too loose, it will not achieve the desired effect, and if it is too tight, it will affect the blood supply to the limb. It is important to avoid forming cord-like bandages. Be sure to seek guidance from a specialist doctor for the first bandage. After applying the pressure bandage, pay attention to the blood supply to the distal limbs. If there is numbness, cramps or increased pain, it means that the bandage is too tight and should be loosened immediately.

4. Elevate the affected limb:

It is an important measure to reduce swelling. If the limb position is lower than the heart level, venous return will have to overcome the dual resistance of circulatory resistance and gravity, which is not conducive to the elimination of swelling. Placing the affected limb above the heart level can convert gravity into dynamic factors and promote the elimination of swelling.

5. Functional exercise:

Functional exercises are encouraged. Patients should be encouraged to perform functional exercises of muscles and joints as soon as possible after trauma if there are no contraindications, because functional exercises can promote blood circulation in the injured area, facilitate the return of venous and lymphatic fluid, and prevent, reduce or eliminate limb swelling as soon as possible.