What does the acronym RICE stand for?

The acronym RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation, which is a commonly recommended method for managing acute soft-tissue injuries such as sprains and strains. Each component addresses critical aspects of injury care:

• Rest allows the injured area to heal by preventing further injury and stress. It is essential to avoid any activities that could aggravate the condition.

• Ice is applied to reduce swelling and numb pain. It helps constrict blood vessels, minimizing blood flow to the injured area immediately after the injury occurs. This step is particularly effective within the first 48 hours following an injury.

• Compression involves wrapping the injured area with an elastic bandage to help limit swelling and provide support. Proper compression reduces swelling by applying consistent pressure to the tissue.

• Elevation means keeping the injured area raised above the heart level to minimize swelling and pain. Elevating helps reduce blood flow to the site of injury, further controlling swelling.

The other options present variations that do not align with the recognized principles of soft-tissue injury management, such as using terms like "Relax" and "Restore," which are not standard practice for immediate first aid in these scenarios.