Natural Cures for Common Illnesses

Sprains and strains are common injuries that can affect anyone, but are more likely to occur in individuals who are involved with sports, repetitive activities, and activities with high risk for accidents. When injured, a ligament, muscle, or a tendon may be damaged. Usually, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) or corticosteroids are being used to treat inflammation, however, they can cause side effects that may lead to another problem or may worsen the current condition. Sarapin is a natural solution derived from a pitcher plant that can be used as an alternative for conventional anti-inflammatory treatments. It is effective in minimizing inflammation without causing major side effects. Sarapin may be combined with other alternative treatment methods such as physical therapy and chiropractic care to maximize results.

Sprain

A sprain refers to an injury to a ligament. Ligaments are slightly elastic bands of tissue that connect bones at a joint, keeping the bones in place while permitting movement. In this condition, one or more ligaments is stretched or torn. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and being unable to move your joint. A pop or tear may be felt when the injury happens.

Strain

A strain refers to an injury to a muscle or a tendon. Tendons are tissues that connect muscle to bone. In this condition, a muscle or a tendon is stretched. It can happen suddenly or develop over time. Symptoms include pain, muscle spasms, swelling and difficulty moving the muscle.

Causes of Sprain and Strain

A sprain usually occurs when you land on an outstretched arm, slide into a base, jump and land on the side of the foot, or run on an uneven surface. Direct or indirect trauma that knocks the joint out of position, and overstretched, and in severe cases, ruptures the supporting ligaments can be a cause of the problem.

– Chronic strains are the result of overuse of muscles and tendons. Inadequate rest breaks during intensive training leads to strain.
– Acute strains are caused by a direct trauma, overstretching, or excessive muscle contraction.

Risk Factors

Factors that increase the risk of sprains and strains include:

• Poor conditioning – Lack of conditioning can cause your muscles to get weak and become more susceptible to injury.
• Fatigue – Your joints are less likely to receive support if your muscles are tired. When your body is tired, it is more likely to succumb to forces that could stress a joint or overextend a muscle.
• Improper warm up – Not enough warm-ups before doing intensive physical activity leaves your muscles tight and prone to trauma and tears.

Athletes, professional and amateur alike, are at high risk of sustaining these injuries. Also, those who have a history of sprains and strains, those who are overweight, and those who are in poor physical condition are at risk for sprains and strains.

Natural Treatment

Individuals who are inflicted with sprains and strains are usually given RICE treatment. RICE refers to rest, ice, compression, elevation. This can reduce pain and swelling when applied to the affected part. To reduce inflammation, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen, or corticosteroids such as cortisone are usually given. However, NSAIDs can cause side effects such as changes in kidney and liver function, reduction of the ability of blood to clot, and stomach ulcers.

Corticosteroids, on the other hand, do not have long-lasting effects and should not be injected for more than three times. Frequent repeated injections can actually increase joint damage rather than decrease it.

Sarapin can be used as an alternative to NSAIDs and corticosteroids. Using it as an anti-inflammatory treatment has more advantages over conventional anti-inflammatory treatment like corticosteroids and NSAIDs. These include the following:

• Sarapin is natural
• It does not accumulate in any organ such as the liver
• It is water-soluble, thus it can be excreted by the body without being processed by the liver
• There are no gastrointestinal side effects

Rehabilitation may also be recommended for proper healing. Depending on the injury, you will do specific exercises to improve the range of motion of your joint, and prevent stiffness and scarring upon healing. Regular exercises may also be needed to increase muscle strength to support the joint.