It is important to know the initial management of an acute injury. The first 2-3 days are the most important in that it is vital we prevent the injury from getting worse.
Initial goals are:
- to reduce the inflammation
- control the swelling and pain
Protection
Protect the injury from further damage by stopping sport or demanding physical activity
Rest
To aid healing rest the leg and reduce the amount of walking until it is pain free
Ice
To reduce pain and inflammation associated with an acute injury apply ice to the site of injury for 20 minutes every 2 hours. This can be an ice pack or frozen peas. Ensure there is a damp cloth between the ice and skin.
Compression
To reduce swelling wear an elasticised bandage. As pain eases then reduce the amount of time wearing the support gradually
Elevation
Elevate the leg above hip height to reduce blood flow to the area which in turn helps to reduce swelling.
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