Athletic Training

· 170 ATHLETIC TRAINING meantime the knee should be strapped tightly with surgeon's plaster from two inches below the joint to at least four inches above. The knee should then be rested on a pillow with the leg slightly elevated. The strapping should begin and end at the hamstring mus– cles. If for any reason the knee .cannot be strapped immediately, it should be bathed with plenty of hot water. Sufficient time should be taken for this because the more it is bathed the better. The hot-water appli– cation should be varied with an ice-bag put on the knee, or in the absence of an ice-bag a flannel cloth kept wet should be applied. Every precaution must be taken not to bend the knee. As soon as the swelling has gone the knee should be bound up again carefully. It will be very weak when first used, and at that time the slightest strain will injure it again. For the first few days crutches should be used, or if they cannot ~e secured a heavy cane will do. I would caution the athlete not to try to walk without first having the knee well bandaged. This will reduce the water upon the joint and at the same time give it a firm support. A rubber bandage worn for some