Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge
Bone and Joint staff • May 30, 2024
The RICE Method: Essential First Aid for Sprains, Strains, and Other Sports Injuries

The simple self-care steps of rest, ice, compression, and elevation, commonly known as the RICE method, are easy techniques you can apply at home to manage common sprains, strains, or other sports injuries. Here are the best practices for applying this protocol.


Rest After an Injury

Rest allows the body to heal, reducing pain, inflammation, and the risk of further injury.  As soon as you are hurt, stop any activity and rest the injured area for a period of at least 24 to 72 hours, depending on the severity of the injury. Avoid putting weight or strain on the injured limb or joint. You may need crutches, a sling, or other supportive devices to immobilize the injured area.


Utilizing Ice for Injury Management

Ice is a valuable tool in injury management as it helps to reduce swelling, inflammation, and pain. Use a cold pack, ice pack, or a bag of ice wrapped in a thin towel or cloth to protect the skin from direct contact with the ice. Apply it to the injured area for 15-20 minutes between 3 to 5 times daily for the first 24 to 72 hours after injury. Take breaks between icing sessions to allow the skin to recover.


Compressing the Injured Area

Compressing the injured area helps reduce swelling and support the injured limb or joint. Use a bandage or wrap specifically designed for compression and wrap the injured limb, starting at the farthest point from the heart and wrapping towards the body. Ensure the compression is firm but not too tight, as it can restrict blood flow. If you experience numbness, tingling, or increased pain, loosen the compression immediately.


Elevating the Injured Limb

Use a pillow or cushion to elevate the injured limb above heart level, reducing swelling and inflammation. Elevating the injured limb also helps to alleviate pain and discomfort and promotes better circulation. Keep the injured area raised whenever possible.


Use the RICE method immediately after injury and for up to 3 days after. After the third day, carefully begin to use the injured limb or joint for normal daily activities. If you continue to experience pain beyond 5 to 7 days after injury, if your injury is severe, or if you are uncertain of the severity, it may be beneficial to seek medical treatment from a physician who specializes in treating orthopedic conditions. The physicians at Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge are committed to providing thorough care for a range of orthopedic conditions. Schedule an appointment today with one of our qualified specialists and get back on the path to moving more and hurting less.

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Bone & Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge Physician Practice Transition – Effective April 1, 2025

By Bone and Joint Clinic Staff • April 1, 2025
BATON ROUGE, LA, January 30, 2025 – Effective April 1, 2025, four distinguished orthopedic surgeons from The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will transition to Baton Rouge Orthopedic Clinic (BROC), continuing their commitment to providing high-quality orthopedic care. The physicians joining BROC are: 1. Joseph "Jeb" Broyles, MD – Specializes in joint replacement surgery, knee arthroscopy, and cartilage regeneration. 2. Arthur "Art" Hess, MD – Specializes in trauma, hip, knee, and shoulder reconstruction, and total joint replacement surgery. 3. Mat hew "Matt" Mazoch, M D – Specializes in shoulder and knee surgery. 4. Alan Schroeder, MD – Specializes in sports medicine and shoulder surgery. Beginning April 1, 2025, these physicians will operate under BROC's umbrella while continuing to see patients at The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge's current location, 7301 Hennessy Blvd. Eventually, the doctors plan to transition to BROC's campus on Bluebonnet Blvd. The estimated timeline for that move is Summer/Fall 2025. In addition, Dr. Patrick Hall will be transitioning to his own practice, Hall Podiatry, that will continue to provide quality podiatric care to patients. Dr. Hall will continue to practice at 7301 Hennessy Blvd. until May/June 2025. After that date, patients may see him at a new nearby location. Dr. Christopher Belleau is transitioning to The Neuromedical Center in Baton Rouge.  Patients are encouraged to continue scheduling appointments at The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge using the current process for the foreseeable future. To ensure a seamless transition, The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will provide detailed information to patients in the coming weeks, including the secure transfer of medical records and continuity of care. The health and well-being of patients remain the top priority, and The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge, BROC, and Hall Podiatry are working together to make this transition as smooth as possible while maintaining uninterrupted care. For more information or to schedule an appointment, patients can contact The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge at 225-766-0050 or by visiting bjcbr.com . Patients can also reach BROC at 225-924-2424 or by visiting brortho.com .
Dr. Gerard Murtagh to Retire After Distinguished Career in Orthopedic Surgery

Dr. Gerard Murtagh to Retire After Distinguished Career in Orthopedic Surgery

By The Bone & Joint Clinic • March 10, 2025
Dr. Gerard Murtagh will retire from Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge on March 12, 2025, after a long and distinguished career dedicated to advancing orthopedic surgery.
Recognizing the Signs That You May Need a Joint Replacement

Recognizing the Signs That You May Need a Joint Replacement

By The Bone & Joint Clinic Staff • February 12, 2025
Sometimes, joint replacement is the best course of action, even when conservative measures like medicine, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes might be helpful. Knowing when a joint replacement is necessary can help you take prompt action and improve your quality of life.
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