Whether we like it or not, sports injuries do occur.
Once they do, your quick action may prevent the injury from becoming worse. When an injury occurs, quickly “PRICE” it!
“PRICE” An Injury
(P) PROTECTION: When the injury occurs protect the injured area with splints, braces or crutches. Help the athlete to a safe area if they can be moved.
(R) REST: As soon as pain is felt, stop the activity immediately. Stay off of the injured area as much as possible. By resting the area, tissues are allowed to begin healing themselves. Resting the area right away will often allow return to sports activity much sooner.
(I) ICE: Ice the injured body part for the first 24-72 hours—this will decrease swelling in a new injury. Crushed or cubed ice works best, as it will conform well to the body part. Keep the ice on for 20 minutes at a time. Initially, ice at least once an hour. Never leave ice on longer than 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, the body thinks it is being frostbitten and sends lots of blood rushing to the area defeating the purpose of icing in the first place. Never apply heat to a new injury unless recommended by a medical professional.
(C) COMPRESSION: Compression helps limit swelling, which, if left uncontrolled, could lengthen the healing time. Keep a compression dressing (ace wrap) around the body part, this should be wrapped snuggly, but there should never be numbness, blueness, or coldness of the injured body part.
(E) ELEVATION: Elevating the injured leg or arm above the heart level helps to drain excess fluid from the injured area. Elevate the injured area on pillows for the first 24-72 hours. Continue to elevate while sleeping.