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Lifestyle and home remedies
By Mayo Clinic staffMild to moderate joint injuries often are helped by following the R.I.C.E. model — rest, ice, compression and elevation.
- Rest. Stay off your injured knee and protect it from further damage. You may need to use crutches.
- Ice. Apply ice packs to your knee for 20 to 30 minutes every three to four hours for two to three days.
- Compression. Wrap an elastic bandage around your knee.
- Elevation. Lie down and place a pillow under your knee, to help reduce swelling.
References
- Curtis C, et al. Posterior cruciate ligament sprain. In: Frontera WR, et al. Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: Musculoskeletal Disorders, Pain, and Rehabilitation. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/208746819-6/0/1678/0.html. Accessed Jan. 24, 2011.
- Posterior cruciate ligament injuries. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00420. Accessed Jan. 24, 2011.
- Miller RH, et al. Posterior cruciate ligament. In: Canale ST, et al. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/208746819-4/0/1584/0.html. Accessed Jan. 24, 2011.
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