Figure 1. CARE acronym– a proposed strategy for the management of the soft-tissue injuries in the acute phase immediately after moderate to severe injury, apply techniques that will limit further damage and create conditions to accelerate healing.
C stands for cryotherapy and compression. Apply ice in combination with compression (Song et al, ) as soon as possible after injury and several times during the first 48 hours after injury to reduce pain, secondary hypoxic injury and extent of oedema-hematoma.
A stands for avoid. Avoid harmful loading of the injured area. Educate your athlete about the correct use of walking or immobilisation aids to offload the injured limb.
R stands for rehabilitation. Apply evidence-based treatment approaches appropriate for the type of injury. For example, for ankle sprains, apply early weight-bearing exercises with support, manual therapy, low-level laser and progressive therapeutic exercises.
E stands for elevation. Elevate the injured limb in combination with cryotherapy and compression to reduce the accumulation of oedema.