How to Info
How to Use Crutches
In many ways it’s obvious how these devices should be used. There’s always a best way to do something, however. The following tips will make your time on crutches both safer and easier.
How to Take Care of Casts and Splints
If you’re cast isn’t waterproof, which most casts aren’t, you’ll need to use tape or rubber bands to secure a plastic bag over the cast. Two bags provide double the protection, just make sure that one bag is completely shielding the other. Also note that plastic covers specifically made to cover your cast are available at most drug stores. This being said, plastic bags and cast covers don’t provide complete protection. Avoid putting your cast directly under the shower jet, and never submerge it completely. For more tips, read on…
How to Care for Sore muscles…
Heat or Ice for Injuries
Ice reduces excessive blood flow after exercise, reducing overall inflammation. Heat does the exact opposite. When applying heat incorrectly or for too long after an intense workout recovery times may be lengthened. Even so, many trainers tell their athletes that heat in the form of hot packs, saunas, and hot tubs can be helpful. When not used on acute injuries, they believe it loosens up tight muscles before and after workouts. Whether or not this is true has not been rigorously studied.
How to Take an Epsom Salt Bath
The water temperature should be comfortable — not hot, but very warm to the touch. Then add Epsom salts while the water is still running. This will help it to dissolve.
For a average-sized tub, use the suggested amount of salts on the container, usually 1 to 2 cups, or the doctor recommended amount. Never use Epsom salt in a whirlpool, hot tub, or any other tub with jets as it can corrode the internal pipes after use.
Your doctor will advise about how often and what amount of time to soak. For an ingrown toenail it may be ten minutes twice a day for a few days, or for arthritis pain 1/2 hour daily soaks may help.
Learn more…