What To Do Following An Injury

The important acronym to remember is PRICE. Use this acronym for at least 2 days following your injury.

P- protect
R- rest
I - ice
C- compress
E - elevate

For example; You have injured your knee.

• Protect it by not doing any activities that could cause it to be hit or pushed. Walking with crutches can make sure that no further damage is caused while you walk on it.
  
• Rest it by trying to stay off it for a couple of days, if at all possible. Stay at home and lie down instead of going somewhere and walking on it.
  
• Ice the knee several times a day with an ice pack or frozen peas. Never keep the ice on it for longer than 15 minutes at a time.
  
• Compress your knee by wrapping it in a tensor bandage. Make sure the bandage does not cut off your circulation (your lower leg stays a normal colour) but that the bandage IS tight enough to compress. This will help to keep the swelling under control.
  
• Elevate your knee above the level of your heart by putting your leg up on a pillow while you are lying down. This helps get that fluid out of your knee and back up to your heart.