When you hear the phrase "R.I.C.E. therapy," you might immediately think that it refers to the treatment for your phone after you drop it in water. However, in medical circles, R.I.C.E. is one of the simplest and most effective first-line treatments for injuries to muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Adhering to the R.I.C.E. model for the first several days after your foot or ankle injury has been proven to reduce the amount of associated pain, swelling, and bruising. Let's take a look at what R.I.C.E. stands for and what makes it a useful treatment method:R-Rest: As soon as possible after sustaining the injury, rest it. Lie down in a comfortable position and keep the weight off the affected foot or ankle as much as you can. Do not attempt any activities that might aggravate the injury for at least 48 hours!I-Ice: Applying a cold object to an injury will cause the blood vessels beneath the skin to constrict, reducing the amount of bruising and swelling. A bag of ice, an ice pack, or a bag of frozen vegetables are all good options. Remember: wrap the ice in a towel instead of placing it directly on your skin.C-Compression: Light compression also aids in reducing swelling and bruising. This can be done with some medical bandage. Make sure that the compress is not too tight, and if you begin to feel pins and needles, you might want to readjust it.E-Elevation: Elevating the injured foot or ankle above the level of the heart will draw blood away from the extremity and limit the possibility of additional inflammation.R.I.C.E. can be used for a wide variety of foot and ankle ailments, including ankle sprains, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles injuries. However, it may not be appropriate for injuries with severe pain or limited mobility, in which case you should seek the advice of Dr. Tanisha Richmond and Dr. Jennifer Flo of Richmond Foot and Ankle Clinic. When you make an appointment at their Dayton or Oakwood offices, you can be sure that you will receive quality, professional treatment. If you have any questions for us, please do not hesitate to contact us or call us at (937) 228-3668!
