™
Bringing you words of wisdom from your friends at Caremark
Professor
HemoWise says
Acute bleeds due to injuries or target joint complications can be painful and debilitating.
In the first 24 to 48 hours following a joint or muscle bleed, the primary goal is to STOP the
bleeding and to reduce pain and swelling.
Infuse the appropriate factor concentrate within three hours of the bleed and follow the
"R.I.C.E." regimen:
R is for REST
Rest the injured joint as much as possible until the bleeding has completely stopped. If the bleed is in a hip,
knee or ankle, stay off the leg for 24 hours or longer depending on the severity of the bleed. Check with your
doctor or physical therapist about the use of assistive devices such as crutches.
I is for ICE
Cold therapy should be used three to four times a day for 15 to 20 minutes each time. Use one or more of the
following cold therapies each time:
Ice Bag:
Ice Massage:
Cryocuff:
Note:
Place crushed ice in a plastic bag, wrap in a thin towel or cloth, and apply to injured area.
Freeze 2/3 cup of water in a styrofoam or dixie cup. Peel away the sides of
the cup until the ice is coming out. Rub the injured area in a circular motion.
Use as directed for cold and compression.
Heat should always be avoided in the acute stage.
C is for COMPRESSION
Use an elastic, Ace® bandage wrap to maintain pressure on the injured area. Wrap in a diagonal and upward
direction. After wrap is on, check frequently to make sure fingers and/or toes are pink and warm at all times. If
fingers and/or toes are not pink and warm, re-wrap bandage with slightly less compression. Ask your physical
therapist or nurse to instruct you in good compression wrapping technique.
E is for ELEVATION
Keep the injured extremity elevated as much as possible to minimize swelling.
Decrease the need for pain medications.
Decrease the length of time required to immobilize an injured extremity.
Reduce the amount of factor concentrate products required to treat a bleed.
Decrease the risk of bleeding during participation in sports/exercise activities.
Use of "R.I.C.E." will help to:
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