Suffering a knee injury can leave you hobbling in pain, wondering what to do while waiting for a doctor appointment. Seeing an injury doctor for professional diagnosis and treatment guidance is vital. In the meantime, you can start knee injury treatment safely at home using the proven RICE method for reducing swelling and discomfort until your appointment.
What is RICE for Knee Injuries?
RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation – the four pillars for treating most common knee injuries without medication or medical intervention. This regimen is recommended by orthopedists and athletic trainers as safe first aid for knee injury treatment at home prior to a doctor visit.
Rest
The first step with any injury treatment is rest. Avoid any activities that trigger knee pain like walking, standing or climbing stairs. Drastically limit use of the injured knee to encourage healing and prevent further damage. Using crutches can assist resting weight off the affected leg. Strict rest lets swelling and inflammation subside faster.
Ice
Icing is vital for injury treatment because it constricts blood vessels, slowing internal bleeding and fluid build-up causing swelling and pain. Freeze water in paper cups to create ice blocks you can easily mold around your knee. Always wrap ice packs in a thin towel before use – never apply directly on bare skin.
Icing for 15-20 minutes every couple of hours works well. Try alternating 15 minutes of icing followed by 15 minutes rest for maximum knee joint injury treatment benefits the first 2-3 days after injury when swelling peaks. Monitoring skin for coldness guides safe icing duration.
Compression
Compressing the injured knee limits swelling, which causes more pain. Use a flexible elastic knee brace, bandage wrap, or even stretchy athletic tape wrapped securely but not too tightly. Compression assists the knee’s lymphatic system in flushing out fluid and blood, reducing puffiness. Keep initial compression gentle until the swelling subsides after a few days.
Elevation
Elevating your leg also fights gravity’s pull-on fluid accumulation around the injured knee joint. Whenever possible, rest with your entire leg raised higher than your heart level. This could mean propping up on the couch with pillows under your ankle or using sturdy foam wedges in bed to keep your knee lifted for hours during sleep.
When to See A Knee Injury Doctor
RICE is proven for effective at-home knee injury treatment within the first 72 hours. However, you should still see a knee injury doctor promptly, even if pain and swelling seem to be improving. A physician can best determine if the injury is merely a sprain/strain or something more serious like an ACL/MCL tear, fracture or dislocation needing specific medical treatment.
Diagnostic testing like x-rays, CT scans or MRI also help doctors assess damage to bones, ligaments and soft tissues around the knee joint for injury treatment planning. Based on findings, the injury doctor may recommend prescription medication, knee braces, crutches, surgery or physical therapy for optimal recovery.
Seeking quick diagnosis and treatment guidance from a knee doctor ensures you don’t inadvertently worsen issues using an injured knee. Follow all physician instructions regarding using RICE principles or activity restrictions for continuing care at home alongside prescribed treatment. Together, professional injury treatment paired with RICE first aid speeds healing.
When to Call a Doctor After Initial Visit
It’s also smart to consult your knee doctor again if you experience:
- No pain relief after 2 weeks of RICE treatment
- Inability to walk or bend knee after 4 weeks
- Signs of infection like fever, redness, swelling, or warmth
- Popping, locking, or buckling of the knee joint
- Abnormal pain, numbness, or coldness in the leg/foot
Recurring or worsening symptoms indicate complications requiring prompt treatment adjustments. Calling the knee doctor ensures next steps are taken before small issues become larger setbacks in recovery. Stay vigilant even after the initial appointment.
Don’t Suffer in Silence at Home
Knee injuries cause severe lifestyle disruption and pain. While RICE helps stabilize new injuries at home, relying on guesswork delays proper recovery. Document all symptoms to share with your knee doctor for accurate diagnosis and treatment to resolve problems as quickly and safely as possible. Combining RICE first aid with a doctor’s care ensures your best chance of restoring strength and function after knee injury treatment.