What is Acute Inflammation?
Inflammation is the body’s normal protective response to an injury,
irritation, or surgery. This natural defense process brings increased blood
flow to the area, resulting in an accumulation of fluid. As the body mounts
this protective response, the symptoms of inflammation develop, including swelling,
pain and increased warmth and redness of the skin.
Inflammation can be acute or chronic. When it is acute, it occurs
usually within a few hours as an
immediate response to trauma such as an injury or surgery.. When it is chronic, the inflammation reflects an ongoing response to
a longer-term medical condition, such as arthritis.
Inflammation is not the same as infection.
Infections are caused by bacteria, fungus, and viruses. Infections sometimes produce
inflammation. However, infection and inflammation are treated very
differently. |
Treatment
To reduce inflammation and the resulting swelling and pain, the injured tissue
needs to be properly treated as early as possible.
Treatment for acute inflammation consists of “RICE”
therapy—which stands for Rest, Ice,
Compression, and Elevation.
- Rest. Stay off of your
foot as much as possible to prevent further injury. In some cases,
complete immobilization may be required.
- Ice. Icing decreases
blood flow to the tissue thus reducing swelling and pain. It should be
continued until your symptoms resolve. Place several ice cubes in a Zip
Lock plastic bag and place a thin towel around the bag. Place the pack on
the injured area until the ice melts. Do this procedure three or four
times a day.
- Compression. Keep the
inflamed area compressed by wrapping it in an elastic bandage or stocking.
Compression prevents additional fluid accumulation and helps reduce pain.
Wrap the bandage more firmly at the toes and less firmly at the calf. If
your toes tingle or your foot throbs, the wrapping may need to be
loosened.
- Elevation. Keeping the foot elevated reduces
the swelling by allowing excess fluid to drain to the heart. The proper
way to elevate your foot is to keep it level with or slightly above the
heart. Place one or two pillows under your calf, and make sure your hip
and knee are slightly bent. Never keep your leg extended straight out.
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