I had hand and wrist surgery, there is some swelling, what is the best compress hot or cold?

Answer 1

Hot compress. It will relax the tissues and ease the pain in the swelling areas as circulation is facilitated.

Answer 2

Hi Mamie,
I recommend cold and here is why. When the part of the body is injured the body goes into a self repair mode, rushing fluids to the injured area in an attempt to cool the injured area and assist in the healing. It’s the same reason why you get a blister when you burn your finger and why you sweat when it’s hot; they're all internal self defense mechanisms.
By adding ice to equation you are helping your body's natural healing mechanisms. That’s the reason why swelling naturally goes down when you ice an injury the body doesn’t need to handle all the healing because you’re adding your assistance. You will most likely see an increase in swelling if you add a hot compress to the area.
But your best bet above all is to contact your Doctor he/she will know best.
Hope everything heals well
Tim

Answer 3

I broke both of my wrist a couple of years ago but the best compress is hot because when the heat is applied it's heating up your joints i your wrist as well as bringing down the swelling

Answer 4

The best thing to do is rest your wrist and get off the computer! But I would say compress hot.

Answer 5

Cold for swelling, hot for relief after swelling goes away.

Answer 6

a cold compress is best for swelling

Answer 7

For swelling use cold.

Answer 8

Cold reduces swelling, heat relaxes the muscles. Call your doc about this. Ask him/her what ice regimine you should use.

Answer 9

Both, rotate every 30 minutes

Answer 10

Hot. I had that as part of my rehab program