How does elevation help in treating injury?

Elevation helps in treating injury for a number of reasons:

1. Decreases swelling: When an injury occurs, the body sends blood to the area to help heal it. This can cause swelling, which can put pressure on the injured tissue and make it more difficult to heal. Elevation helps reduce swelling by allowing the fluid to drain away from the injured area.

2. Reduces pain: Elevation can also help reduce pain by decreasing the pressure on the injured tissue. This can make it more comfortable for the person to move around and participate in physical therapy.

3. Improves circulation: Elevation can help improve circulation to the injured area by allowing gravity to pull the blood down from the heart. This can help speed up the healing process by bringing more oxygen and nutrients to the injured tissue.

4. Reduces the risk of infection: Elevation can help reduce the risk of infection by preventing the spread of bacteria and other microorganisms to the injured area. This is because gravity helps to pull the fluid away from the injured area, which makes it more difficult for bacteria to grow.

In general, elevation is a simple and effective way to help treat injuries. It can help reduce swelling, pain, and the risk of infection, and it can also improve circulation and speed up the healing process.