Splinting immobilizes a limb that may be broken or severely sprained to prevent further injury and ease pain until you can see a health professional. Splinting may also be helpful after a snakebite while you wait for help to arrive. There are two ways to immobilize a limb: Tie the injured limb to a stiff object. Tie...

Spondylolisthesis is a condition in which one bone of the spinal column (vertebra) slips forward over another. This is caused by a deformity or weakening in part of a vertebra. This condition results in a misalignment of the vertebrae. In some instances, this may lead to spinal cord or nerve root compression, back pain...

Spondylolysis is a defect or fracture on one or both of the wing-shaped parts of a vertebra, usually in the lower lumbar region. Spondylolysis is usually detected sometime during childhood. It may occur for one or more reasons. Some people are born missing part of, or with damage to, this piece of vertebra. The...

If your child's fever is over 104°F (40°C), contact your doctor. Before you give a sponge bath to a child who has a fever, give your child an appropriate dose of acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Do not use ibuprofen if your child is less than 6 months old unless the doctor gave you instructions to...

Spores are reproductive parts of certain organisms, such as fungi or mosses. Although they come in many different sizes, shapes, and colors, most spores are visible only by looking at them with a microscope. Spores are similar to seeds because when a single spore is in the right environment, it can grow into an larger...

A sports hernia is an injury of the inguinal area caused by repetitive twisting and turning at high speed. This type of hernia occurs mainly in people who play ice hockey, soccer, or tennis. Although the condition is known as a hernia, in many cases an obvious hernia is not seen. The main symptom is groin pain that may...

Sports medicine specialists are medical doctors who specialize in the treatment of people who have injuries to their bones, muscles, joints, tendons, or ligaments that result from physical activity. Such injuries may include cartilage tears, ligament ruptures of the knee, and shoulder or knee problems. Sports medicine...

Most people lose as much as 1 qt (1 L) to 2 qt (2 L) of fluid during 1 hour of exercise. When you are not drinking enough fluids, your muscles get tired quickly, and you may have leg cramps while walking or running. If you are an athlete, you can lose as much as 3 qt (3 L) of fluid an hour during an intense workout...

Provides step-by-step instructions for a sample set of exercises for an ankle sprain. Includes range-of-motion, stretching, strengthening, and balance exercises. Cautions that timing for starting each type of exercise depends on the care provider's recommendations.

Beat the aches and pains of sprains and strains. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful. Control swelling and pain Use the R.I.C.E treatment: R est the body part, I ce it every hour, C ompress it with elastic bandages, tape, or a brace, and E levate it above your heart...

Sputum is a thick fluid that is produced in the lungs and in the airways that lead to the lungs. Sputum is different than saliva. A person who has an infection or disease of the respiratory system may cough up sputum. Some diseases can cause pus, blood, or bacteria to show up in the sputum.

Sputum cytology examines a sample of sputum (mucus) under a microscope to determine whether abnormal cells are present. Sputum is not the same as saliva. Sputum is produced in the lungs and in the airways leading to the lungs. Sputum has some normal lung cells in it. Sputum cytology may be done to help detect certain...

Squamous cell skin cancer (also called squamous cell carcinoma of the skin) is a common type of skin cancer. When found and treated early, most of these cancers can be cured. If not treated, this skin cancer may grow and spread (metastasize). This cancer is often caused by being exposed to UV rays from the sun. Using...

Squamous cells are flat, scaly cells. Squamous cells are found: In the surface of the skin. In the tissue that lines the inside of some of your organs, such as the bladder, kidneys, cervix, and uterus. In the lining of the digestive system and the respiratory system.