Self Care
The staff at Stamford Hospital's Orthopedic Institute is committed to finding the treatment plan most appropriate for you. Many orthopedic problems can be adequately addressed with a good self care. Our staff will work with you to determine which home care methods are appropriate.
Care that can be done at home includes:
The PRINCE treatment model:
- Protect your ankle with a supportive brace. Use crutches until the pain subsides.
- Rest your ankle.
- Ice your ankle several times a day for 10 to 20 minutes.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) help with pain relief and swelling reduction.
- Compression with an elastic compression wrap also helps reduce swelling—but it does not offer support when walking.
- Elevation. Raise your ankle above the level of your heart to reduce swelling and bruising.
Bed rest. Do this for one to two days at most after and injury. You should resume activity as soon as possible to avoid loss of muscle strength or blood clots in the legs.
Simple Exercise. This may be the best way to recover from certain orthopedic conditions, particularly back and spine problems. Consult your doctor or a physical therapist for a list of gentle exercises to keep your muscles moving without making your condition worse. Examples of good exercises may include stretching, swimming, walking or yoga. Most mild discomfort that you may feel when you begin to exercise should disappear as your muscles warm up. If the pain is more than mild and lasts for 15 minutes or more during exercise, you should stop exercising and speak to your doctor before doing more exercise.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs include aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil, Nuprin and Motrin). These drugs relieve both pain and swelling (inflammation) that sometimes comes with joint, bone or spine pain. All of these are available without a doctor's prescription. For mild to moderate pain in the joints or back, these may be all that is needed.
For more information or to make an appointment please call
1-877-233-WELL (9355).