R.I.C.E. Treatment

• Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation

• First aid for strains, sprains, contusions, dislocations, or uncomplicated fractures
  • Rest
    • Stop using injured part
      • Continued activity could cause further injury, delay healing, increase pain, and stimulate bleeding
    • Use crutches to avoid bearing weight on injuries of the leg, knee, ankle, or foot
    • Use splint for injuries of the arm, elbow, wrist, or hand
  • Ice
    • Hastens healing time by reducing swelling around injury
      • Sudden cold contracts blood vessels
      • Helps stop internal bleeding from injured capillaries and blood vessels
    • Keep damp or dry cloth between skin and ice pack
    • Do not apply ice for longer than 15 to 20 minutes at a time
    • For 3 days after injury
      • Apply every hour for 10 to 20 minutes
    • Apply ice after 3 days as long as pain or inflammation persist
      • Apply at least 3 times throughout the day for 15 to 20 minutes
  • Compression
    • Hastens healing time by reducing swelling around injury
      • Decreases seeping of fluid into injured area from adjacent tissue
    • Use elasticized bandage, compression sleeve, or cloth
      • Wrap injured part firmly
        • Do not impair blood supply
          • Too tight of compression may cause more swelling
      • Wrap over ice
      • Loosen the bandage if it gets too tight
  • Elevation
    • Elevate injured part above level of heart
      • Decreases swelling and pain
      • Use objects and pillows for props