Treating Acute Injuries
Remember the acronym R.I.C.E.
for the initial management of acute injuries
Rest
the injured area.
Crutches and/or a splint may be needed to help with this.
Ice
the injured area to control swelling & pain.
While swelling is part of the healing process,
controlling the amount of swelling early on can reduce the
overall recovery time.
Cold can be applied in one of the following ways:
Ice
pack:
A bag of ice cubes, a
commercial pack, or a bag of frozen vegetables can be applied
over the injured area. A moistened cloth should be applied
between the skin and the ice pack.
The pack can be left on for 15-20 minutes & reapplied 3-5 times
daily with at least 30 minutes between
applications.
Ice
massage: An ice cup
or ice cube can be rubbed over the area for 5-10 minutes until
the area is numb to touch.
This should be repeated 3-5 times daily, waiting at least 30
minutes between treatments.
Ice
immersion: The injured area can be submersed in ice water for 5-10
minutes. This works
particularly well with injured toes/fingers & can be repeated
3-5 times daily with at least 30
minutes between treatments.
Compress
the injured area to help reduce swelling.
Use an elastic bandage (e.g. Ace Wrap) to apply gentle
pressure.
Elevate
the injured area as high as possible (at least above heart level) to help reduce swelling.