Do-it-Yourself
First Aid
 Most strains and sprains can be treated at home with
an easy remedy called RICE—Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. Cold
reduces pain and swelling and promotes healing. (Heat feels great but does
more harm than good until all the swelling is gone.)
But suppose your ice tray is empty
and you don't have an ice bag, what do you do? Grab a bag of frozen
vegetables and wrap it in a towel or make an ice pack by wetting a towel
with cold water and squeezing out the excess. Place the folded towel in a
plastic bag in the freezer for 15 minutes. Voil!
Always keep a damp cloth between your skin and the ice pack. For the
first 72 hours, ice for 10 minutes once an hour; after that, for 15
minutes three times a day.
Back |
