What does PRICE stand for in acute soft-tissue injury management?

• A. Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation
• B. Pressure, Rest, Ice, Cold, Elevation
• C. Protection, Rehab, Ice, Compression, Elevation
• D. Protection, Rest, Heat, Compression, Elevation

Answer: (A)

In the acute management of soft-tissue injuries, PRICE guides how to limit further damage and control swelling and pain. Protection helps prevent additional harm by shielding the injured area from further stress or impact, using supports or immobilization as needed. Rest means avoiding activities that load or irritate the injury, giving tissues a chance to begin healing; this doesn’t mean staying immobile forever, but initial rest is important. Ice is applied to reduce pain and swelling through cooling and vasoconstriction, typically in short, frequent applications with a barrier to the skin. Compression uses an elastic wrap or bandage to limit swelling and provide support, applied with even pressure—not so tight as to cut off circulation. Elevation involves keeping the limb raised above heart level when possible to help reduce edema through gravity-assisted drainage.

Common mix-ups include substituting pressure or heat for the listed items, or bringing rehab into the immediate phase. The correct approach emphasizes protection, controlled rest, cold therapy, compression, and elevation as the immediate response to acute injury.