The only way to learn what kind of wounds can be iced is to learn how the body responds to injuries. To know the difference between acute and chronic injuries helps decide when ice or heat should be applied.
Which Kinds of Injuries Do You Use Ice?
Applying ice for acute injury or recent injury is common practice. An acute injury, such as a sprain, causes damage to tissue and inflammation at the wound. Short-term accidents are acute accidents. Any recurrent acute injuries:
· Sprain of the foot
· Muscle or articular sprain
· Sprain of the knee
· Acute pain after intense exercise
· Red, hot or swollen body part
When, for example, you sprain anything like an ankle, you damage blood vessels. Swelling typically happens when blood vessels are damaged. If anything cold is added, or ice or maybe even a bag of frozen veggies, the blood vessels can constrict and decrease swelling.
Tips For Icing an Injury
It is necessary to respond rapidly, as with any injury. The earlier ice is added to minimize inflammation, the quicker the injury can heal. Ice can also be used to eliminate or reduce inflammation during high-intensity exercise.
Hold icing to 20 minutes, since prolonged icing can irritate the skin or affect the tissue. Remember the easy trick? If swelling occurs, use ice, if it doesn't go away, visit the specialist."
On Which Types of Injuries Do You Use Heat?
Heat treatment is typically needed for chronic pain or illnesses. Chronic pain suggests that the body has not completely recovered, and suffering also reoccurs. Such chronic conditions commonly include:
· Muscular distress or pain
· Rigid joints
· Old/recurring injuries
· Arthritis