The moment you feel some body part pull, sprain, strain, or break, start RICE, a four-part first-aid program for sports injuries. Do not wait for a doctor’s okay.
R is for rest. If you continue exercise and other activities, you may extend the injury. I stands for ice, which is strong medication. Ice shrinks the torn blood vessels. The more blood that collects in a wound, the longer it takes to heal. C is for compression, which limits swelling. If uncontrolled, swelling retards healing. E is for elevation. Elevating the injured part above the level of the heart uses gravity to help drain excess fluid. Because swelling usually starts within seconds, start RICE as soon as possible.
Rushing to a doctor’s office does not mean that you will be treated immediately. If you have been to a doctor’s office recently, you know what I mean. Emergency rooms, where about one-third of sports injuries are treated, are even more crowded. Patients with sports injuries tell me that they have waited four hours to be examined by a doctor. Waiting can aggravate the problem.
Source: Sports Health
Very good advice for athletes! thanks Dr. Bob
ReplyDeleteHi Sue,
ReplyDeleteThis is basic common sense information, but it works great. This protocal can be used by non-athletes as well. Thanks for the visit.
Sincerely,
Dr. Bob Moulas
Hi Dr. Bob,
ReplyDeleteHaving coached competitive soccer for over twelve years, I have seen my share of spains....all the way to broken bones etc.
Great comments on how to start treating sports injuries! Thanks for the enlightening post!
Pete Baca
The Car Enthusiast Online
Hi Pete,
ReplyDeleteCoaching soccer, I am sure you have seen alot of injuries! Thanks for coming to my post and and making a very positive comment.
Sincerely,
Dr. Bob Moulas