must be applied over the place where it is felt, 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