Why is RICE applied?

Why is RICE applied?

• A. To decrease swelling, edema, inflammation, spasm
• B. To increase swelling and inflammation
• C. To cause tissue damage
• D. To replace physical therapy

Answer: (A)

RICE is used to limit secondary tissue damage after an acute injury by reducing swelling, edema, inflammation, and muscle spasm. Ice causes vasoconstriction and lowers metabolic demand, which helps decrease inflammation and pain and reduces secondary injury. Elevation and compression work together to decrease edema, while rest prevents movements that could worsen the injury. This approach is an initial, short-term management to control symptoms and set the stage for later rehabilitation, not a replacement for physical therapy.

RICE is used to limit secondary tissue damage after an acute injury by reducing swelling, edema, inflammation, and muscle spasm. Ice causes vasoconstriction and lowers metabolic demand, which helps decrease inflammation and pain and reduces secondary injury. Elevation and compression work together to decrease edema, while rest prevents movements that could worsen the injury. This approach is an initial, short-term management to control symptoms and set the stage for later rehabilitation, not a replacement for physical therapy.