• Rest the injured area. If moving the injured area causes pain, this is the body’s way of saying STOP! Do not use or bear weight (such as standing or walking) until evaluated by a health care provider.

• Ice applied to the injured area will help to prevent or reduce swelling. Swelling is a part of the body’s natural healing process. However, excessive swelling can hinder the healing process and cause pain. Apply a cloth covered ice pack to the affected area for up to 20 minutes at a time, 4 to 8 times a day. Don’t have an ice pack handy? A package of frozen corn or peas is a good substitute.

• Compression also helps to prevent or reduce swelling. Compression is the use of an elastic bandage to wrap an injured area. It is important to avoid wrapping the area too tightly. This ensures that blood circulation, which helps in the healing process, is not decreased. It should not hurt or throb and fingers and toes beyond the bandage should remain pick and not tingly. Take off and remove the elastic bandage every 4 hours.

• Elevation means raising the injured area above the level of the heart. To reduce swelling, the injured area needs to be elevated approximately 12 inches above the heart. It may be necessary to lie down and/or use several pillows to assist in elevating the area.

**Important: If you have Peripheral artery disease (reduced blood flow to the arms or legs), Raynaud’s disease, diabetes, or any medical condition that reduces blood flow DO NOT use R.I.C.E. as a treatment.