First aid tips for upper or lower limb injuries should not be limited to bed rest or the application of ice on the injured area. A physiotherapist must make sure to limit inflammatory reactions.
The RICE acronym describes what to do within the first 72 hours of an injury.
- Rest in accordance to the extent of the injury. Some or full rest in combination with restraining the injured part of the body is imperative. The doctor or the physiotherapist in charge must be capable of balancing the need for bed rest of the injured limb and the need for movement of the rest of the body.
- Ice controls pain and muscle spasms in the area of the injury. In case ice is. combined with extra pressure on the injured area, the inflammatory reaction may be controlled more effectively.
- Compression right after the injury may help decrease the rehabilitation period. Applying pressure on the injured area through a firm object may force the inflammation and the hematoma not to spread. An elastic band should be applied a span away towards the centre of the injury and a span over it.
- Elevation above the level of the heart may limit the blood circulation as well as increase the venous drainage and lymphatic pumping towards the injured area.
