Q.Describe the PRICE protocol for the management of sports injuries. For each of the five steps, state its purpose, the correct method of application, and the timing/duration to be followed.

The question asks for the PRICE protocol — a plain theory question. The answer must cover all five steps (Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) with purpose, method, and timing for each.

PRICE Protocol for Acute Sports Injury Management

PRICE is the standard immediate care sequence for soft-tissue injuries (sprains, strains, contusions). Each step has a specific role in limiting swelling, reducing pain, and speeding recovery.

Protection — Purpose: prevent further damage to the injured tissue. Method: immobilise the area using a splint, sling, crutches, or supportive bandage. Avoid any movement or weight-bearing that stresses the injury. Timing: applied immediately after injury and maintained until professional assessment.

Rest — Purpose: allow the healing process to begin without disruption. Method: stop all activity involving the injured body part. For lower-limb injuries, use crutches to keep weight off. Timing: 24–72 hours of complete rest, then gradual reintroduction of gentle movement as pain allows.

Ice — Purpose: reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation through vasoconstriction. Method: apply an ice pack wrapped in a thin cloth (never directly on skin) to the injured area. Timing: 15–20 minutes per session, repeated every 2–3 hours during the first 48–72 hours. Do not exceed 20 minutes to avoid frostbite.

Compression — Purpose: limit swelling and provide mechanical support to the injured tissues. Method: use an elastic bandage (e.g., crepe bandage) wrapped firmly but not tightly — check for numbness or discolouration beyond the wrap. Start wrapping from the farthest point (distal) and move toward the heart (proximal). Timing: applied continuously during the acute phase, removed only for ice application or sleep if too tight. …

The PRICE protocol stands for Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. It is the immediate management framework for acute soft-tissue injuries (sprains, strains, contusions) sustained during sport. Each step has a specific physiological purpose, a correct method, and a prescribed duration. Applying them out of order or for the wrong time can worsen the injury.

(1) Protection

Purpose: To prevent further damage to the injured structure by avoiding any movement or load that could aggravate the tear or stretch.

Method: Immediately stop the activity. Use a splint, sling, crutches, or supportive bandage to immobilise the injured part. Do not attempt to "walk it off" or test the range of motion.

Duration: Maintain protection until a professional assessment (by a physiotherapist or sports medicine doctor) has been obtained. In the field, this means the athlete does not return to play that day.

(2) Rest

Purpose: To reduce metabolic demand on the injured tissues and allow the inflammatory phase to begin without mechanical disruption.

Method: Complete rest of the injured body part for the first 24–48 hours. For a lower-limb injury, this means non-weight-bearing (crutches). For an upper-limb injury, use a sling. Avoid any activity that causes pain.

Duration: 24–72 hours, after which gentle, pain-free movement (relative rest) can begin under guidance.

(3) Ice (Cryotherapy)

Purpose: To cause vasoconstriction, reduce blood flow to the injured area, decrease swelling, and provide analgesia (pain relief) by slowing nerve conduction velocity.

Method: Apply an ice pack (crushed ice in a damp towel, or a commercial gel pack) directly over the injury. Never apply ice directly to bare skin — always use a thin cloth barrier to prevent ice burn. The area should be elevated during icing.

Duration: Apply for 15–20 minutes at a time. Repeat every 2–3 hours during the first 48–72 hours. Do not exceed 20 minutes per session, as prolonged icing can cause frostbite or nerve damage.

(4) Compression

Purpose: To limit swelling by mechanically restricting the space available for fluid accumulation, and to support the injured tissues.

Method: Use an elastic bandage (e.g., crepe or ACE wrap) applied firmly but not tightly. Start wrapping from the farthest point from the heart (distal) and move toward the heart (proximal). Overlap each turn by half the bandage width. Leave the fingers or toes exposed to check for colour and sensation. …