Skin & Sun Safety
Treatment
R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)
R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)Sprains and other soft tissue injuries can be treated with rice—but not the kind you eat. R.I.C.E. stands forRest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. This combination can help limit pain and swelling while you recover.First, rest: Don’t put pressure on the affected area. Using crutches can take weight off an injured foot, ankle,knee, or leg. Braces or splints may help as well.“Rest is important during your initial part of recovery, but over resting can also be a problem. So, it’salways important to talk with your provider as to when you should start moving about again.”Next, ice, which may help bring down swelling. You can use an ice pack, ice cubes in a sealable bag, or evena frozen package of vegetables. Just be sure to wrap it in a towel to protect your skin. Hold it to the injuredarea for up to 20 minutes at a time, every hour or two for the first 48 hours -- or as your provider recommends.Compression: Wrap the area in a bandage or compression sleeve to reduce swelling. Make it snug, but not sotight that it causes numbness, tingling, or skin discoloration. Finally, elevation: Keep the injured body partraised above your heart by propping it on a pillow.Get medical help if you have: Severe pain, fever, numbness or instability in the joint, or signs of infection,including redness or warmth in the affected area. Your provider may recommend physical therapy to helpstrengthen the affected area and reduce the risk of re-injury.“Sprains can take time to heal. Check with your provider before returning to exercise and otheractivities to make sure it's safe and start slowly.”This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.PRG54193A EN RICERestIceCompressionElevation.pdf© The Wellness NetworkPage 1 of 1
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