When to Use Ice or Heat on an Injury

Most people treat inflammation and injuries with ice or a heating pad, it is an age old method that does not need a doctor's prescription, and has been used for centuries now. However, there are certain norms as to how and when you should use them, since both are obviously opposite. For example, there was a query I read which goes as follows, "My sister has a muscle tendon inflammation, and the doctor recommended treating it with warm heating pads, while a relative of mine (who had the same problem in the past) suggested ice packs for instant relief. I am confused, which one is better?" How contradictory are both the recommendations! It is not very difficult to answer this, but before we get there, we need to understand the mechanism behind the treatment and how exactly does it work. What does ice and heat individually do? How do they help relieve pain? The following guidelines and explanation will answer all your questions and sort out the confusion of when you should use ice or heat therapy on an injury. Keep reading...

When Do You Use Heat Packs?
Your heart is constantly pumping blood to all the parts of your body, supplying them with nutrients and oxygen. If you are injured it is the normal tendency of the body to supply additional blood and nutrients to the injured part, to fight antibodies and promote the natural healing process. Now, heat pads are used to treat long term injuries or on those injuries that are not new. That is, heat therapy simulates blood vessels and helps them open wider to improve blood circulation in the aggrieved part. In turn accelerating your healing process. You can also use heat packs on chronic conditions, just before involving that part of your body in any physical activity. Heat helps relax and loosen muscles. It regulates blood flow and gets the affected area ready for that particular activity. There are also certain precautions you have to consider before applying the heat pack. Make sure the heat pad is not too hot, or just cover the aggrieved area with a layer of clothing before applying the heat pack. It is also important to note that you don't use it for long hours; it can make you feel stiff otherwise.

When Do You Use Ice?
Ice packs work exactly opposite as compared to heat pads. Ice packs are usually applied on sudden or acute injuries, because it helps in reducing swelling or bleeding, if any. They restrict the flow of blood in the area applied. Therefore, causing numbness, that helps in reducing the pressure that your body is put through and also relieves you of pain, which is the most important thing. They also help the body focus better on maintaining a steady pace in the healing process. Therefore, from the above you must have understood that ice treatment is effective for sprains or bruises with some bleeding; that limits the effects of swelling and pain. Never use ice cubes directly on the wound, use an ice pack, or place some ice cubes in a plastic bag, or wrap it in a towel and apply it on the affected area. After placing the ice pack on the wound, check the change in skin color. If it turns bright pink, remove the pack and replace it once the skin color is normal. Ice packs also help treat skin burns and acne. Since, applying ice can reduce blood flow, one should avoid its usage in areas known for poor circulation.

Hence, ice and heat work differently for every injury or inflammation however, both ultimately help in speedy recovery of the same. Using ice or heat in the affected area is not a long-term solution, it is just a way to combat short term pain and injuries. You need to see a medical practitioner and seek proper treatment for prolonged pain relief.