What should you do to treat a bone or joint injury?

To effectively treat a bone or joint injury, it is crucial to immobilize the injured area and apply ice packs. Immobilization helps to prevent further damage, reduce pain, and stabilize the injury until professional medical help can be obtained. By keeping the injured joint or bone still, you minimize the risk of exacerbating the injury.

Applying ice is also essential in the initial treatment stage, as it helps to reduce swelling and numbs the pain. It constricts blood vessels, which can limit inflammation and provide relief to the affected area. Ice is typically recommended for the first 48 hours following an injury.

In contrast, applying heat immediately can increase blood flow and swelling, which is not ideal for a fresh injury. Continuously moving the injury can lead to more pain and damage, rather than preventing stiffness. Lastly, encouraging someone to walk off a joint or bone injury can result in severe complications or worsening the condition. Overall, stabilizing and applying ice is the most effective first response to a bone or joint injury.