If you have ever overheard a podiatrist, athletic trainer, or any other medical professional discussing the “R.I.C.E. treatment,” you might have been left wondering how this staple food plays a role in nursing your injury. In fact, R.I.C.E. is an acronym that stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. It is an effective, do-it-yourself therapy for injuries involving the muscles, tendons, or ligaments of the legs, ankles, and feet. Let’s take a look at what each section entails:

• R: For 24-48 hours after your injury, it is important for you to rest. Do not participate in any activities that will aggravate the injury. Lie in the position that is most comfortable for you!
• I: An effective method for reducing bruising is using ice. The cold temperature from an ice pack or a frozen bag of vegetables will cause the blood vessels beneath the skin to constrict and stop bleeding.
• C: Applying gentle compression to the injury site with medical bandage will help to alleviate swelling and inflammation. If you begin to feel pins and needles, check your dressing to make sure it isn’t too tight.
• E: When you elevate your injury above the level of the heart, you are using gravity to draw blood away from the area. This will aid in lowering the amount of internal bleeding and swelling.

R.I.C.E. has been shown to improve recovery from Achilles tendinitis, ankle sprains, and a variety of other sports injuries. However, if your injury comes with severe pain or immobility, you will want to seek the professional advice of a board-certified podiatrist like Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico. At Syracuse Podiatry, located in Fayetteville, New York, patients of all ages in Central New York can learn more about R.I.C.E. and other therapies that will get you back on your feet as soon as possible. You can expect quality, expert treatment with each visit. If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment, contact us or call us at (315) 446-3668!