The return of sports and outdoor summer play unfortunately may come with the return of injuries such as sprains and muscle strains. Many new injuries will respond to R-I-C-E treatment.
REST the injured extremity, avoiding activity that causes pain.
ICE the injury for 20 minutes every 3-4 hours for the first 2-3 days.
COMPRESSION with an ACE wrap to help immobilize the injury and reduce swelling. The wrap should be snug but not overly tight. Start the wrap beyond the injured area and continue to wrap back to and above the injury. The wrap can also be used to hold an ice pack in place.
ELEVATE the injured area above the level of your heart as much as possible until the swelling improves.
Seek medical care if the pain and swelling are severe or if not improving with initial supportive care.
Currently at Anderson Hills Pediatrics we are giving away ice packs to patients coming in for Sports Physicals with their well care. We hope that your child stays healthy and won’t need to use the ice pack but if they do find themselves injured, we are here to help!
