
R:
I:
C:
E:
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Continued sports activity is immediately stopped (Rest)
As soon as is possible, Ice should be placed on the injured area.
The cold ice makes the blood vessels contract, thereby stopping the
bleeding. Cold spray has no effect in such circumstances. The ice
must not come into direct contact with the skin, which should be
covered with a thin layer of, for example, elastic bandage. Ice
treatment should be given for twenty minutes in each of the first
three hours after injury.
As far as is possible the treatment should furthermore comprise:
A Compression bandage should be applied, however, must not be so
tight as to prevent the blood flow. The compression bandage should
be removed at night, but applied again each morning until the
swelling goes down. The effect of the compression can be enhanced if
a piece of felt, for example, of approx. one cm. thickness is placed
under the bandage and directly above the haemorrhaging.
The injured area is kept as high as possible, and preferably above
the heart (Elevation). The haemorrhaging will stop when it comes
above the level of the heart. Elevation of the affected area should
be performed as much as possible as long as swelling is in evidence.
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Rehabilitation can commence after 24-48 hours of the injury being
incurred |