y an assistant
very gently the first day, with gradual increase in vigor as the days
pass, not only kneading the ankle but moving the joint.

This treatment should be pursued once daily, and followed by bandaging
with a flannel bandage cut on the bias three and a half inches wide.
With this method it is possible for the patient to regain the moderate
use of the ankle in about two or three weeks.

The same general line of treatment applies to the other joints;
partial rest and daily bathing in hot and cold water, rubbing and
movements of the joint by an assistant. Since sprains vary in severity
it follows that some may need only the first day's preliminary
treatment prescribed to effect a cure, while others may require
fixation by a surgeon in a plaster-of-Paris splint for some time, with
additional treatment which only his special knowledge can supply.

[Illustration: This picture shows an excellent method of fixing a
sprained joint, used by Prof. Virgil P. Gibney, M.D., Surgeon-in-Chief
of the N. Y. Hospital for Ruptured and Crippled. It consists of
strapping the joint by means of long, narrow strips of adhesive
plaster incasing it immovably in the normal position. This procedure
may be followed by anyone who has seen a surgeon practice it.]

=SYNOVITIS--Severe Injury.=--Generally of ankle or knee from fall, or
shoulder from blow.

_First Aid Rule 1.--Provide large pitcher of hot water and large
pitcher of cold water and basin. Hold joint over basin; pour hot
water slowly over joint. Return this water to pitcher. Pour cold water
over joint. Return water to pitcher. Repeat with hot water again, and
follow with cold. Continue this alternation for half an hour._

_Rule 2.--Put to bed, with hot-water bottles about joint, and wedge
immovably with pillows._

_Rule 3.--When tenderness and heat subside, strap with adhesive
plaster in overlapping strips._

=Conditions, Etc.=--This condition, which may affect almost any freely
movable joints, as the knee, elbow, ankle, and hip, is commonly caused
by a wrench, blow, or fall. Occasionally it comes on without any
apparent cause, in which case there is swelling and but slight pain or
inflammation about the joint. We shall speak of synovitis of the knee
("water on the knee"), as that is the most common form, but these
remarks will apply almost as well to the other joints. In severe cases
there are considerable pain, redness and heat, and great swelling
about the knee. The