Treating Broken Bones and Sprains in the Field

Why Bone and Joint Injuries Are Serious

A broken bone or sprain can endanger survival as much as hunger or cold. Mobility is everything in survival: you need to move to gather food, build shelter, and escape danger. Without proper treatment, these injuries can worsen, leading to permanent disability or even death if complications arise.

Recognizing a Break Versus a Sprain

Knowing what you are dealing with helps guide treatment. A broken bone usually comes with sharp pain, swelling, and sometimes a visible deformity or unnatural angle. A sprain, caused by overstretched ligaments, is painful and swollen but usually allows limited movement. If the limb bends where it should not, assume a fracture. Treating both conditions similarly in the field prevents further damage.

First Step: Immobilization

The most important thing after injury is preventing movement. For both fractures and sprains, immobilization reduces pain and stops additional harm. Use splints made from sticks, boards, or even rolled-up magazines. Pad the area with clothing or grass to make it more comfortable. Tie splints in place with rope, cloth, or belts, keeping them snug but not cutting off circulation.

Handling Open Fractures

If the bone pierces the skin, it is called an open fracture and carries high infection risk. First, control bleeding with pressure around the wound, not directly on the exposed bone. Rinse with the cleanest water available, and cover with fabric or leaves to keep dirt out. Do not try to push the bone back inside. Focus on stopping bleeding, reducing contamination, and immobilizing the limb.

Supporting Sprains With Compression

Sprains need stability but not rigid splints. Wrap the injured joint with cloth strips or a bandage to apply gentle compression. Elevate the limb above heart level to reduce swelling. Cooling the area with cold water or snow also helps, but avoid direct ice contact for long periods to prevent skin damage. Resting the joint is crucial, even if pain feels manageable.

Improvised Tools for Support

In the wilderness or ruins, improvisation is key. Straight sticks, ski poles, or even metal rods can serve as splints. Shoelaces, vines, belts, or strips of cloth can tie them in place. In urban settings, cardboard, plastic, or scrap wood works well. For slings, use a scarf, shirt, or triangular piece of fabric to support an injured arm.

Reducing Pain Safely

Pain management helps conserve strength. If available, use scavenged medicine such as aspirin or ibuprofen. In the absence of pharmaceuticals, willow bark tea offers mild relief due to its natural salicin content. Rest, hydration, and immobilization also reduce pain naturally. Keeping calm and still is as important as any medicine.

Moving With an Injury

Sometimes you cannot stay put. If evacuation is necessary, adapt how you move. Use a crutch made from a long, sturdy branch to support weight on a leg injury. For arm fractures, keep the arm in a sling close to the body. Move slowly and rest often to avoid worsening the injury. Whenever possible, travel with companions who can assist.

Watching for Complications

Swelling, numbness, or skin turning pale below the injury may mean bandages are too tight or circulation is compromised. Loosen bindings immediately if this happens. Fever, increased swelling, or severe pain after days may indicate infection in open fractures. Without medical care, this becomes life-threatening. Keep wounds clean and covered, and change dressings regularly.

Survival Is About Stabilizing

You cannot repair bones fully in the field, but you can stabilize them until proper care is possible. Immobilizing fractures, compressing sprains, and keeping wounds clean are the main goals. With time, the body begins healing naturally. By giving it the chance to recover without additional damage, you protect both mobility and survival.