Isn't it logical that hot water will stir up blood, increasing blood flow, thus increase the rate of healing? How does cold lessen the swelling?
2006-07-27 07:37:23 · 4 answers · asked by Andre The Giant 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
Swelling is the result of blood flowing into areas it isn't supposed to. The swelling occurrs due to an injury to the blood vessels where they are broken and are no longer transporting blood to their intended place. Instead the blood is able to flow into and between the adjacent tissues.
The application of cold to a damaged area results in the constriction of blood vessels. When the blood vessels constrict, they allow less blood to flow, thus less leaking of blood to the surrounding tissue and less swelling.
When tissue gets cold, the blood vessels constrict to reduce blood flow and heat loss in those areas. The constriction of blood vessels due to cold is a automatic response of our bodies in response to cold. Since we need to maintain a certain body temperature to survive, this response is intended to limit the loss of precious body heat when exposed to very cold temperatures.
2006-07-27 07:46:13 · answer #1 · answered by anza_1 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well TRUE answer here. Swelling is a byproduct of the Arachidonic acid cascade, and as most of cell enzyme produced reactions, it SLOWS down at lower temperature. So when you apply ice to a bruise you retard the swelling, never stop it.
2006-07-28 15:44:41 · answer #2 · answered by pogonoforo 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the cold results in vasocontriction which leads to a decrease in swelling. In addition, cold numbs the nerves which can also send signals leading to an increased inflammatory response.
2006-07-27 16:55:14 · answer #3 · answered by Alexis M 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Constricts the vessels, pushes fluids out, fluids make the swelling. no fluids = no swelling.
2006-07-27 16:56:30 · answer #4 · answered by flammable 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋