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- $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.
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-
- 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.
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