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Home , Inflammation

ACUTE

What Is Inflammation? Tr ea t ment And never leave an ice pack on your nflammation is the body’s normal To r e d u c e inflammation and the resulting while you sleep. I protective response to an injury, swelling and , injured tissue needs to • Compression. Keep the inflamed , or .This natural be properly treated.The earlier you start area compressed by wrapping it in “defense” process brings increased treatment, the better. an elastic bandage or stocking. blood flow to the area, resulting Treatment for acute inflammation Compression prevents additional in an accumulation of fluid. As consists of “R.I.C.E.” therapy— fluid accumulation and helps the body mounts this protective which stands for Rest, Ice, reduce pain. Wrap the bandage response, the symptoms of inflam- Compression, and Elevation. For more firmly at the toes and less mation develop. These include: acute inflammation in the foot or firmly at the calf. If your toes tingle •Swelling ankle, your foot and ankle surgeon or your foot throbs, the wrapping •Pain will recommend the following: may need to be loosened. If the • Increased warmth and redness • Rest. Stay off of your foot as tingling or throbbing continues of the skin much as possible to prevent after loosening the wrap, contact further injury. In some cases, your doctor as soon as possible. Inflammation can be acute or complete immobilization may be • Elevation. Keeping the foot chronic. When it is acute, it occurs as required. Your doctor will decide elevated reduces the swelling an immediate response to trauma whether you will need crutches by allowing excess fluid to drain (an injury or surgery)—usually and whether movement of your to the heart. The proper way to within two hours. When it is chronic, foot or ankle is appropriate. elevate your foot is to keep it level the inflammation reflects an ongoing • Ice. Icing, which decreases blood with or slightly above the heart. response to a longer-term medical flow to the tissue, thus reducing Place one or two pillows under condition, such as . swelling and pain, should be your calf, and make sure your hip Inflammation is not the same as continued until your symptoms and knee are slightly bent. Never . are caused by resolve. Wrap ice cubes—or a bag of keep your leg extended straight out. , fungus, and , and frozen peas or corn—in a thin towel infections sometimes produce and place the pack on the injured In addition to the above inflammation. However, infection area for 20 minutes of each hour measures, your foot and ankle and inflammation are treated you’re awake. If your skin turns blue surgeon may prescribe a very differently.Your foot and ankle or white, discontinue icing for a few nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory surgeon can best determine the hours. Two cautions: Never apply ice (NSAID), such as , of your inflamed tissue. or frozen bags directly to your skin. or another type of . If Pain Persists or Elevate the Leg Properly Becomes Worse The symptoms of inflammation typically improve within two or three days. If your pain and discomfort do not improve after three days, call Yes No your doctor or go to an emergency room to determine whether a more serious problem exists. As with any medical problem, it’s important that you follow your doctor’s instructions carefully regarding your injury or postoperative care. ▲

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This information has been prepared by the Consumer Education Committee of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, a professional society of 5,800 foot and ankle surgeons. Members of the College are Doctors of Podiatric Medicine who have received additional training through surgical residency programs. The mission of the College is to promote superior care of foot and ankle surgical patients through education, research and the promotion of the highest professional standards. Copyright © 2005, American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons • www.FootPhysicians.com