WebSep 7, 2024 · If pain is due to a strain or sprain, cold therapy should be applied immediately, but heat therapy can help relieve pain from 72 hours post-injury. ... So, cold first and maybe heat later. WebJan 26, 2024 · Wrap a cloth or towel around the cold pack. This will help protect your skin and reduce your risk of added irritation. Gently apply the cold pack to your injury for 10 to 15 minutes at a...
Should You Use Heat or Cold on a Muscle Strain? - MD Monthly
WebJan 14, 2024 · Dr. Haleh Agdassi answered. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 28 years experience. Ice is best: Ice is best in the first 24-72 hours following an ankle sprain. This helps decrease the swelling and inflammation which in turn decreases the pain. Do not leave the ice on for more than 15-20minutes. Use a towel to protect your skin against the ice. WebHot and cold packs can work wonders on an area that is sprained. An ice pack will help reduce swelling, and will also alleviate pain with an analgesic effect. For the best results, … heleen joosten
Is hot or cold water better for sprained ankle? - R4 DN
Web“When you sprain something, like an ankle for instance, you damage blood vessels,” says Baer. “When blood vessels are damaged, swelling usually occurs. Applying something cold, whether it be ice or even a bag of frozen vegetables, causes the blood vessels to constrict, reducing the swelling.” Tips for Icing an Injury WebThe cold therapy causes the blood vessels surrounding the injury to constrict and limit blood flow, which helps to limit swelling and pain. Put ice in a wet tea towel or use a frozen bag of vegetables and ice the area for 15 to 20 minutes every three to four hours. Heat should be applied after a couple of days when the swelling has gone down ... WebIce will decrease the blood flow to the injury, thereby decreasing inflammation and swelling. Pain that recurs can be treated with heat, which will bring blood to the area and promote healing,” according to the University of Rochester Medical Center. Cold. There are fewer restrictions when using cold therapy than heat therapy. heleen du toit physio