The R.I.C.E. is the best method to control swelling. From my understanding, the "I" (ice) is best used during the first 24-48 hours, combined with the rest, compression and elevation, and the NATA said that it depends on severity of injury. A good therapy can be: 20 minutes of ice on, then 20 minutes of ice off, during the first 24 hours (unless you are sleeping, of course).
If you still have swelling after 24 hours, I believe the ice is not as effective, but the rest, elevation and compression are still your best bets for recovery (compression is just using an ace bandage around the area, to control swelling).
When to see a doctor for a muscle contusion (bruise) to soft tissue:
* The injury causes severe pain, swelling, or numbness
* You can't tolerate any weight on the area
* The pain or dull ache of an old injury is accompanied by increased swelling or joint abnormality or instability.
You can read more about sports injury treatment and prevention here.
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The National Athletic Trainer's Association (NATA) has a great handout on R.I.C.E. that you can view online here.
The R.I.C.E. is the best method to control swelling. From my understanding, the "I" (ice) is best used during the first 24-48 hours, combined with the rest, compression and elevation, and the NATA said that it depends on severity of injury. A good therapy can be: 20 minutes of ice on, then 20 minutes of ice off, during the first 24 hours (unless you are sleeping, of course).
If you still have swelling after 24 hours, I believe the ice is not as effective, but the rest, elevation and compression are still your best bets for recovery (compression is just using an ace bandage around the area, to control swelling).
When to see a doctor for a muscle contusion (bruise) to soft tissue:
* The injury causes severe pain, swelling, or numbness
* You can't tolerate any weight on the area
* The pain or dull ache of an old injury is accompanied by increased swelling or joint abnormality or instability.
You can read more about sports injury treatment and prevention here.
May 7, 2009 - 2:17pmThis Comment
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