PRICE Method for Injuries

Study Notes

PRICE Method for Injuries

Protect yourself from injury by wearing appropriate clothing and equipment, and warming up.
Rest the injury to allow the body's natural healing mechanisms to work.
Ice the injury using a cold pack or ice wrapped in a towel to avoid tissue damage.
Compress the injury with a bandage to prevent excessive swelling.
Elevate the injury above heart level to reduce swelling and promote fluid flow.

Muscle Injuries

A strain occurs when a muscle or tendon overstretches, causing pain, swelling, muscle spasms, stiffness, and limited range of motion.
If left untreated, a strain can lead to severe pain, bone fracture, and recurring swelling.
Strains commonly occur in the back, neck, or legs.
A sprain occurs when ligaments are overstretched or torn, causing bruising, pain, inability to put weight on the affected area, skin discoloration, and stiffness.
If left untreated, a sprain can cause chronic ankle pain, joint instability, and arthritis.
Ankle sprains are the most common type of sprain.

How Strains and Sprains Happen

Sprains can occur from walking on uneven surfaces or landing unevenly on a jump.
Knees can be injured by pivoting during an activity.
Wrists may be sprained when landing on the hand during a fall.
Thumbs can be sprained due to overextension of the muscle.
Strains often occur when excessive pressure is put on a muscle, such as when lifting a heavy object, or when not warming up before an activity.

Description

Learn about the PRICE method for treating injuries, which includes protecting yourself from injury, resting the injury, and more. This method helps your body's natural healing mechanisms to repair the damage.