$Unique_ID{BRK01275}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{What Would You Use "Rice" For?}
$Subject{injury first aid musculoskeletal system connective tissue sprained
ankle charlie horse rice rest ice compression elevation joint muscle injuries
sprains joints}
$Volume{M-18,M-17}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Would You Use "Rice" For?


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QUESTION:  I know about applying a cold pack or ice to an injury, but what
would you use "rice" for?  I am sure they are putting me on, but "friends" in
my engine company absolutely assure me that its the correct treatment for
anything from a sprained ankle to a "charlie horse".  Would you please help me
out on this one?

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ANSWER:  Can it be that there is a first aid course being held at your fire
house?  Your pals are positively correct, but they are not referring to "rice"
the cereal, but to "RICE" an acronym composed of the first letters of Rest,
Ice, Compression, and Elevation.  These four measures represent today's
standard therapy for acute injuries that might result from sports activities
such as running, cycling, skiing etc.  Putting an injured joint or muscle to
rest prevents additional damage and injury.  Ice not only reduces the
swelling, but protects the tissue from further damage due to bleeding and
offers a measure of analgesia or pain control.  Compression will reduce the
ability of fluids to escape from injured blood vessels into surrounding
tissues, and provides support to the injured area.  Of course elevating the
site of the injury or the limb reduces swelling by using gravity to slow the
flow of fluids resulting from inflammation, to the injured areas.  It also
helps immobilize the patient a bit and assures rest of the injured member.
All in all these measures can advance the recovery of the patient by
minimizing the effects of acute injury to ligaments, muscles and joints.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.