Wait…What? RICE for My Foot Injury?
Many patients come to My Chicago Foot Expert: Stavros Alexopoulos, DPM to be treated for a foot or ankle injury. Happily, many of these are relatively minor and don’t require surgery or other invasive treatment to heal. A boot or cast and a pair of crutches often do the job. However, patients are often confused to learn that their treatment plan includes RICE. They wonder how this food staple can help their injury heal. The answer is simple: when your podiatrist suggests RICE, s/he isn’t talking about what you eat. It’s an acronym for at-home care that can get you back on your feet quickly.
- R is for Rest. Take a break. Get off your feet. Use your crutches. Don’t drive if it’s been prohibited. Rushing back into all of your regular activities will prolong your recovery period.
- I stands for Ice. Cold compresses will help reduce pain and swelling. Apply your ice pack for 20 minutes, or less if your foot starts to feel numb.
- C means compression. Use a bandage or wrap on a sprained ankle or other injury. This will limit the amount of edema (swelling) that occurs. Make sure that your bandage is on tightly enough for you to feel its support, but not so tight that you feel “pins and needles” in your feet or leg.
- Last but not least, E is for Elevation. Lie down and prop your foot up on a pillow or on the arm of your sofa. This is another effective treatment for swelling.
If you have sustained an injury, or if you have any other concern about the health and wellness of your feet, ankles, or lower legs, the first step toward recovery is a visit with a foot doctor like Dr. Stavros O. Alexopoulos. With years of specialized training and experience, your podiatrist is the best-qualified medical professional to care for this part of your body. Schedule a convenient appointment in our modern, comfortable Chicago office today. Call our friendly staff at (773) 561-8100 or click here to get started.
