b
E – ELEVATION
Elevate injured limb above level of the
heart
This helps decrease swelling and pain
Use objects and pillows as props
Some texts will advocate PRICES
which follows the same principle as
RICE but will also include:
P – PROTECTION
Protect the injured part from further
damage
S – SUPPORT
Use of splints, casts etc
Medication such as non – steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs can also be
used throughout the duration of the
injury but you should always consult
your doctor before using any
medication
CONTACT DETAILS
Podiatry Department
Ards Community Hospital
Church Street
Newtownards
BT23 4AS
Tel : (028) 91510240
Podiatry Department
Bangor Community Hospital
Castle Street
Bangor
BT20 4TA
Tel : (028) 91475137
Podiatry Department
Ulster Hospital
Dundonald
BT16 1RH
Tel : (028) 90484511 Ext. 2801
Podiatry Department
Lisburn Health Centre
Linenhall Street
Lisburn
BT28 1LU
Tel : (028)92501214
Podiatry Department
Downpatrick Health Centre
Level 1, Downe Hospital
2 Struell Wells Road
Downpatrick
BT30 6RL
Tel : (028) 44613811
Podiatry Department
R.I.C.E
Therapy
R: Rest
I: ice
C: Compression
E: Elevation
b
RICE therapy is often recommended as
a treatment choice for minor
musculoskeletal conditions, such as
sprains and strains.
RICE stands for rest, ice, compression,
and elevation. You should use RICE
therapy immediately after your injury
or when you have pain and
inflammation.
First 24-48 hours
In the first 24-48 hours following injury
a regime of RICE is advised.
R– REST
Stop using injured part.
Continued activity could cause further
injury, delay healing, increase pain,
and stimulate bleeding
avoid bearing weight on injuries of the
leg, knee, ankle or foot
I - ICE
C – COMPRESSION
Hastens healing time by reducing the
swelling around the area
Hastens healing time by reducing the
swelling around the area
Sudden cold contracts blood vessels
Decreases seeping of fluid into injured
area from adjacent tissue
Helps stop internal bleeding form injured
capillaries and blood vessels
Use elasticated bandage, compression
sleeve or cloth
ICE APPLICATION
Wrap injured area firmly
Keep damp or dry cloth between skin and
ice pack
Wrap over ice
Apply every hour for 10-20 minutes and
apply at least 3 times throughout the day
Too tight of compression may cause
increased swelling
Loosen bandage if it becomes too tight
Apply for 3 days after injury which can be
extended if pain or inflammation persists
Do Not impair blood supply
Do not apply ice for longer than than 1520 minutes at one time