SPRAINS AND STRAINS.

Waikato Times, Volume 102, Issue 17242, 29 October 1927, Page 20 (Supplement)

SPRAINS AND STRAINS.

THE CAUSE AND TREATMENT. SOME USEFUL INFORMATION. Writing on the above subject, a doctor gives some very useful information to players, which, if carefully noted, will help innumerable followers of the racquet game to preserve their physical fitness. The doctor says:—-

Tennis nowadays is such a strenuous pastime that it often involves the overtaxing of one or other of the joints of the body. Tilden’s knee is a classic example. Running round the top of the shinbone, inside the knee-joint, there is a rim of gristle. Sometimes a sudden strain will wrench off one end of this from its loose attachment to the bone beneath, and w'hat is known as a “slipped cartilage” results. The extent of incapacity involved is a varying quantity, hut usually it causes at least a temporary “locking” of the joint, owing to the loose, floating end becoming nipped between the two bony surfaces, preventing them being brought together, as they must be to straighten the knee.

Getting such a locked joint hack into position is a job that should never be attempted by the amateur.

Not only is the process likely to be excruciatingly painful, but there is a strong possibility of further damage being done. Liable to Recur. Tficre will always be a certain amount of swelling or “water on the knee” for some time after the accident, but often the torn cartilage itself, once replaced, will give no more trouble. Unfortunately, it will not, like most injuries, heal itself spontaneously in time, and the possibility of recurrence must always te borne in mind. Some people make shift successfully with a special knee bandage, fitted with a pad to keep the ofTcnding cartilage in its proper place, but where it persists in giving trouble there is nothing for it but removal by the surgeon’s knife. Tennis elbow is not so serious a matter.

It is caused 'by friction upon a small sac of fluid which is interposed in order to act as a water cushion between the bones in the crook of the forearm and the tendon of the biceps muscle. This sac, when it is overworked by excessive use of the arm and elbow, is liable to “turn Bolshie,” voicing its grievances by becoming tender, painful and distended. The organs of the body rarely go on strike without just cause, _ and it is futile to attempt to ignore its protest.

Rest in a Sling. Rest in a sling and the application of cold compresses will usually suffice to put it right. A little of the subacetatc of Jean lotion added to the water in which the compresses are steeped, will make them more effective. On no account neglect it, or the sac may become chronically and incurably enlaige . Tennis feet are the result of a too abrupt withdrawal of the support given to the arch of the foot by the stiff sole of an everyday boot, and the substitution for it of the soft rubber of a tennis shoe. The muscles of the sole act like a bowstring keeping the bony arch wel bent. Unfortunately, they grow lazy i they are constantly supported, an And the sudden increased call upon them more than they can manage.

Snapped Fibres. Regular exercise by moving the naked foot freely in all directions, bending and straightening the aiffii and hand massage, will soon strengthen them, but if the arch drops a little and aches, it may be helped during the period of training hy hamages passing round the ankle and under the sole. ~ As the muscles become more fui developed the condition will right llS Strained muscles are a particularly painful form of injury, and the right way to treat them .will best he undeistood if the nature of damage is cxP They are simply a tearing in two of part of the muscle, involving the snapping of some of the fibresObviously these cannot heal if tl ey are continually being torn airesh by further movements, howevei s ° ■ Absolute immobilisation _ should be aimed at. Rest is an obvious essenS but a bandage or splint, to restrict movement still further, should he used when possible.