Why does first aid for sprains/strains etc (Rest Ice Compress Elevate) focus on reducing swelling? Doesn’t swelling help with healing?

Question

It’s my understanding that swelling is the body’s way of delivering healing “supplies” to the injured area. Why are we stopping that from occurring?

In: 96

Answer 1

The reason they do the RICE thing is to prevent compartment syndrome. If there is too much swelling, the blood circulation is cut off to the distal side of the injury, causing ischemia, and eventually necrosis if not corrected.