INJURIES INVOLVING BONES,JOINTS AND MUSCLES

Lesson 4

THE MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM

The Musculoskeletal System is composed of the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilages. These parts of the body are prone to strain, sprain, dislocation and fracture.

STRAINS

Strains are injuries to muscles and tendons due to sudden or overexertion of movements. The muscle fibers are stretched and the tendons torn. Pain is felt by the victim. Swelling, discoloration and difficulty of movement of the injured part are observed. First aid for this includes rest and application of hot compress.

SPRAINS

Sprains are caused by stretching or tearing of ligaments or other tissues beyond its normal range of motion at a joint. Symptoms include pain, swelling, tenderness and discoloration of the injured part. First aid is best remembered in the acronym RICE(rest, ice, compress, elevation).

DISLOCATION

Dislocation is a situation where one or more of the bones forming a joint slip out of normal position. The ligaments that hold these bones in place are stretched or torn loose. The joints commonly dislocated are the freely movable joints like the lower jaw, shoulders, elbows, wrists, fingers, lips, knees, ankles and toes. First aid includes immobilizing the injured parts by using splints before transporting the victim.

After receiving first aid, an injured person often requires transportation to a medical facility. As a first aider, you must be responsible for making sure that the victim is transported to a safer place to prevent further injury, pain and discomfort.