Immediate management procedures
The correct post-injury rehabilitation exercises for a Grade 2 MCL sprain can significantly decreases the risk of re-injury. With the assumption that TOTAPS (Talk, observe, touch, active movement, passive movement, skills test) has been completed at the sight of the injury, RICER should now be followed.
In order to ensure that this soft tissue injury heals correctly and in the shortest period of time, the application of RICER (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation, Referral) is the most sufficient procedure which should be followed. RICER should be conducted immediately after the injury, and can be followed up to 72 hours after the injury has occurred. (Longer where nessassary)
In order to ensure that this soft tissue injury heals correctly and in the shortest period of time, the application of RICER (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation, Referral) is the most sufficient procedure which should be followed. RICER should be conducted immediately after the injury, and can be followed up to 72 hours after the injury has occurred. (Longer where nessassary)
REST:
It is essential that you rest your injured knee to prevent further injury from occurring. You should avoid activities that cause pain to the injured area immediately following a knee sprain. A brace or crutches are sometimes necessary to allow enough rest for the injured body part. You should be placed in a comfortable position with your injured knee elevated above the heart, ensuring it is adequately supported. The knee should not be strapped for long periods of time as this promotes clotting.
ICE:
The application of ice in any form, such as frozen gel pack, immersion of the knee in a bucket of cold iced water, or crushed ice in a towel etc., will reduce any pain you are feeling, as well as the reduction of swelling. Ice should remain on the knee for 20 minutes every hour, for up to four days after initial injury.
COMPRESSION:
Compressing the injured knee should be completed early during the recovery phase, being done at the time of the injury and reapplied periodically for at least 24 hours afterwards. Wrap an elastic bandage over the injured area, covering both above and below the sight to reduce swelling. If you begin to feel tingling in your toes or if they turn blue, take off the bandage and make the necessary adjustments.
ELEVATION:
Elevating your sprained knee can immediately help with pain, swelling and throbbing. Whenever possible during the day and for the following two or three nights , raise the injured knee above the level of your heart by placing support under the injury. At night, use pillows to slightly elevate your knee.
REFERRAL:
To further understand the nature and extent of the injury, the athlete should seek assistance from a doctor or physiotherapist as soon as possible following the injury.
When used correctly, the RICER method ensures that the injury heals correctly and in the shortest period of time possible. If RICER is not used, the injury takes longer to repair and has less strength and flexibility.
It is essential that you rest your injured knee to prevent further injury from occurring. You should avoid activities that cause pain to the injured area immediately following a knee sprain. A brace or crutches are sometimes necessary to allow enough rest for the injured body part. You should be placed in a comfortable position with your injured knee elevated above the heart, ensuring it is adequately supported. The knee should not be strapped for long periods of time as this promotes clotting.
ICE:
The application of ice in any form, such as frozen gel pack, immersion of the knee in a bucket of cold iced water, or crushed ice in a towel etc., will reduce any pain you are feeling, as well as the reduction of swelling. Ice should remain on the knee for 20 minutes every hour, for up to four days after initial injury.
COMPRESSION:
Compressing the injured knee should be completed early during the recovery phase, being done at the time of the injury and reapplied periodically for at least 24 hours afterwards. Wrap an elastic bandage over the injured area, covering both above and below the sight to reduce swelling. If you begin to feel tingling in your toes or if they turn blue, take off the bandage and make the necessary adjustments.
ELEVATION:
Elevating your sprained knee can immediately help with pain, swelling and throbbing. Whenever possible during the day and for the following two or three nights , raise the injured knee above the level of your heart by placing support under the injury. At night, use pillows to slightly elevate your knee.
REFERRAL:
To further understand the nature and extent of the injury, the athlete should seek assistance from a doctor or physiotherapist as soon as possible following the injury.
When used correctly, the RICER method ensures that the injury heals correctly and in the shortest period of time possible. If RICER is not used, the injury takes longer to repair and has less strength and flexibility.