WHAT TO DO AFTER A STRAIN OR SPRAIN

R.I.C.E. Technique May be Best

What to do after a sprain, strain or injury? Whether it is from a car accident, workers' compensation claim, or sports injury, it is important to know what should be done immediately after the injury.

Sadly, if you talk to five different people, you will get five different answers. Thus, it is important to turn to the pros. In a recent article, Dr. William Levine, chief of sports medicine at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center, and Dr. Anil S. Ranawat, clinical instructor of orthopedic surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center and assistant attending orthopedic surgeon at Hospital for Special Surgery, recommends the first-aid technique named "R.I.C.E." that should be applied to most sprains, strains and joint injuries after a car accident, workers' compensation claim or sports injury. This technique includes:

Rest: If you are injured during any activity, stop the activity immediately and rest the injured area. Do not try to work through the pain.
Ice: For the first 24 to 48 hours apply ice packs to the injured area every two hours for 15 minutes. Make sure that the ice is not in direct contact with the skin; a cotton handkerchief covering is helpful.
Compress: Bandage the area firmly, extending the wrapping above and below the injury. This pressure will stop any bleeding and reduce any swelling in the injured area.
Elevate: Whenever possible, elevate the injured area above the level of your heart. Elevation and compression are typically used for acute injuries such as a twisted ankle.

Once an injury has occurred you should always consult a physician to ensure proper rehabilitation. Hoping that the pain goes away on its own often results in prolonged treatment and lasting restrictions and limitations.

For more information about your rights after a Florida automobile accident, motorcycle crash, workers' compensation claim or other personal injury matter, click here to schedule a free case consultation with Personal Injury Attorney Matthew Noyes. Attorney Noyes' Tampa Bay personal injury law firm has been helping accident victims since 1955.