This treatment reduces the inflammation that comes with acute injury. Inflammation often causes redness, heat, swelling, and pain. The earlier you start the RICE treatment after an injury, the better it works.

REST the injured area. Your body is telling you to stop if moving the injured area causes pain.

ICE in a cold pack applied to the injured area will help to reduce swelling. Swelling causes more pain and slows healing. Cover the ice pack with a wet cloth and apply the ice for 10 to 30 minutes intermittently for 48 to 72 hours. A package of frozen vegetables makes a good ice pack. It is lightweight, conforms to the injured area, and is inexpensive and reusable.

COMPRESSION, or use of a pressure bandage, also helps to prevent or reduce swelling. Use an elastic, or ACE, bandage. Wrap the injured area with the bandage, but not so tightly to cut off the blood flow. It should not be painful. Fingers or toes beyond the bandage should remain pink and not become "tingly".

ELEVATION means raising the injured area above the level of the heart. Prop up a leg or arm while resting it. You may need to lie down to get your leg above your heart level. Elevation may also reduce the "throbbing" pain that may be present.

Do all four parts of the RICE treatment together. If this does not work after one or two days, consult your health care provider. Do not use the RICE treatment without consulting your healthcare provider if you suspect a more serious injury, such as internal bleeding or a broken bone.

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