Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (PRICE)
Protection of knee joint means to protect the knee from any incidence of further injury or blow, for instance, by taking a pause from a physical activity that might cause an injury. Resting can lower the risk of any injury and gives the tissues to heal properly if there is any occurrence of injury in the past. However, the doctors not advise to completely rest your body as it can lead to muscle stiffness and weakness in the longer run. Using ice can help in minimizing inflammation and swelling. Wrap the ice in a cloth and apply it on the first day of injury on the affected area for 20 minutes. It is important to understand that we can never directly use ice on the skin as it might cause further damage. Compression helps in relieving pain and supporting the knee movements. Use compression around the knee with a knee support to increase the comfort level. You can use a bandage for compression but it must not be tight. Elevation of leg will also improve circulation and minimize swelling. In ideal situations, you must elevate your leg to the level of your heart.