R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) [2 of 4]

ICE

Ice helps stop internal bleeding from injured blood vessels and capillaries. Sudden cold causes small blood vessels to contract. This contraction of blood vessels decreases the amount of blood that can collect around the wound/injury site. The more blood that collects, the longer the healing time. Ice can be safely applied in several ways using the following instructions.

• For injury to a small area, such as a finger, toe, foot or wrist, immerse the injured area in a bucket of ice water. Use ice cubes to keep the water cold, as ice dissolves.
  
  
• For injury to a larger area, use ice packs. Avoid placing ice directly on the skin. Before applying the ice, place a towel, cloth, or one or two layers of an elasticized compression bandage(Ace bandage) on the skin to be iced. To make the ice pack, put ice chips or ice cubes in a plastic bag, or wrap them in a thin towel. Place the ice pack over the cloth. The pack may sit directly on the injured part, or it may be wrapped in place.
  
  
• Ice the injured area for about 30 minutes (no matter what form of ice treatment you are using).
  
  
• Remove the ice to allow the skin to warm for 15 minutes.
  
  
• Reapply the ice.
  
  
• Repeat the icing and warming cycles for 3 hours while following the instructions below for compression and elevation. If pain and swelling persist after 3 hours, consult your doctor (If you have not already done so). Your doctor may change the icing schedule after the first 3 hours. Regular ice treatment is often discontinued after 72 hours. At that point, heat is often more comfortable. Or you might try contrast baths of injured area-alternating 5 minutes of hot water with 5 minutes of ice water.

Back | Next