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
Dr. Bob,
ReplyDeleteVery great information Dr. Bob. This is all very good to know. I will be sure to use RICE next time i get injured!
-Bobby B.
Hi Bobby,
ReplyDeleteThis is an old, but great way to minimize inflamation. Thank you for the visit, and please come back.
Sincerely,
Dr. Bob Moulas