Papers on Health | Page 8

instead of on the spine
(see Inflammation.)
Ankle Swelling.--When long continued in connection with disease or
accident, this sometimes leads to a partial withering of the limb up to
its very root. In such a case it is best to deal first with the roots of those
nerves which supply the limb, which are, in the case of the legs, in the
lower part of the back. It is important to apply light pressure to these
roots by gently squeezing the muscles of the lower back. This raises a
feeling of gentle heat, which slowly passes down the limbs even to the
toes. Then the gentle pressure and squeezing must be carried all down
the limb, avoiding any degree of pain, until all its muscles have had
their share. While progressing down the limb with his rubbing, let the
rubber be careful that the individual strokes of his hands be upwards,
towards the hip. The blood will thus be propelled towards the heart,
while the stimulus of rubbing is conveyed along the nerve trunks
towards the foot. The squeezing should be done with a grasping
movement of the hands, the limb being held encircled in both hands,
thumbs upwards. Warm olive oil is used in this squeezing, and also, if
the skin be hard and dry, soap lather (see Lather).
Even slight displacements of bones will disappear under such treatment,
if patiently continued day after day, as the patient can bear it without
fatigue. In such gentle remedies, perseverance plays a large part. (See
Abscess; Diet; Exercise).
Ankle, Twisted or Crushed.--Place the foot as soon as possible in warm
water, as hot as can comfortably be borne; keep it there until free from
pain, or for an hour, or even more if necessary. If the flesh be torn,
dress with cloths wrung out of vinegar or weak acetic acid before
placing in the water.
When the bath has done its work, and the limb comes out of the water
alarmingly swollen, good and skilful bandaging will do excellent work.
If you have at hand an old shirt, or some such thing, tear it into strips
about three inches wide, till you have as much material as will swathe
the whole limb from behind the toes up to the top of the thigh. This

need not be all in one piece, but only so that you may apply it in such a
way as to bring a very gentle pressure on the whole surface of the
injured limb. It is important that the bandaging should be comfortable.
The way in which bandaging is sometimes done is cruel in the extreme.
Cases that are a disgrace to humanity are constantly coming under our
notice, in which limbs are lost for life by the treatment they receive in
this respect. Skilful surgeons do it in the most gentle manner; they even
swathe the limbs in soft loose cotton before they apply the bandages, so
that a perfectly equal and comforting pressure may be secured. Lay the
limb to rest, well and softly supported in a horizontal position. When
the swelling falls, gently tighten the bandage from time to time as
required. Each time the bandages are removed for this purpose, sponge
the limb with warm vinegar or weak ACETIC ACID (see). When the
swelling subsides, the ankle may be put again in the hot bath for
half-an-hour, and then, if any bones be broken, is the time for setting
them right. The ankle will probably turn black. If so, do not apply
leeches, but allow the black blood to be absorbed by natural process.
A twisted or bruised wrist or hand is to be treated in the same way. The
swelling may also be removed by gentle rubbing upwards along the
limb, so as to help the blood in its course.
Armpit Swelling.--Often this comes as the result of a chill, or of
enfeeblement of the system from various causes. In the early stage,
such a swelling should not be treated so as to develop a sore. Treatment
with iodine is to be avoided.
The first thing, in this early stage, is to increase vital action in the part,
and also in the whole system (see Abscess). Moist heat is to be applied.
Make a BRAN POULTICE (see), which should come right round from
over the spine, over the swelling, and over the whole shoulder. Let this
be kept hot for an hour at least. If it can be thus applied twice a day
without too much fatigue, do so. If the swelling softens and becomes
less under this treatment, a few cold cloths may be applied to brace the
part and aid its vitality. Do not, on any account, make the patient shiver.
If the swelling increases and becomes discoloured, keep to the