Ice or Heat for swollen wrist???

Question

I had an IV put in yesterday for my MRI and because it's so hard for people to find my viens ( they move), IV's are usually inserted in the back of my hand or wrist. To eliminate pain and swelling do I use heat and ibuprofen or ice and ibuprofen?

Answer 1

Always remember RICE for injuries that swell. Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Try not to over-use your wrist and an ace bandage would be a good idea. Elevating it slows blood flow to the area which will also ease the swelling. Much of the pain is from the pressure of the swelling so if you follow RICE it should help immensely

Answer 2

Swelling

Home Treatment


Mild swelling will usually go away on its own. Home treatment may help relieve symptoms.

Swelling and pain are very common with injuries. When you have swelling, you should look for other symptoms of injury that may need to be evaluated by your health professional.

If you have a medical condition that may cause swelling, follow your health professional's instructions on how to treat your swelling.

Mild swelling
Rest and protect a sore area. Stop, change, or take a break from any activity that may be causing your pain or soreness.
Elevate the injured or sore area on pillows while applying ice and any time you are sitting or lying down. Try to keep the area at or above the level of your heart to help minimize swelling.
Avoid sitting or standing without moving for prolonged periods of time. Exercising the legs decreases the effect of gravity, so swelling goes down.
A low-sodium diet may help reduce swelling.
Drink plenty of fluids to help prevent swelling caused by dehydration.
Keep your skin cool in hot environments.
Try a nonprescription medication to help relieve your discomfort.

Acetaminophen, such as Tylenol or Panadol
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs):
Ibuprofen, such as Advil or Motrin
Naproxen, such as Aleve or Naprosyn
Ketoprofen, such as Actron or Orudis
Aspirin (also a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug)

Be sure to follow these nonprescription medication precautions.

Carefully read and follow all labels on the medication bottle and box.
Use, but do not exceed, the maximum recommended doses.
Do not take a medication if you have had an allergic reaction to it in the past.
If you have been told to avoid a medication, call your health professional before taking it.
If you are or could be pregnant, call your health professional before using any medication.
Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than age 20 unless directed to do so by your health professional.


Symptoms to Watch For During Home Treatment
Use the Check Your Symptoms section to evaluate your symptoms if any of the following occur during home treatment.

Swelling increases or spreads.
Other symptoms develop, such as pain, numbness or tingling, or pale, white, blue or cold skin.
Signs of infection develop.
Symptoms become more severe or frequent.

Answer 3

Ice

Answer 4

the ice will reduse the wond from beconing swollen so if you hold the ice on it for a couple houres but keep ice on it even if heat feels better heat wont realy help pluse ice will get blood pumping around the wond and it will heal faster =] good luck

Answer 5

Typically you use ice to reduce swelling. If you are icing a muscle, when you want to do something physical that uses that muscle, THEN you use heat first before you start your activity.

Answer 6

Always ice to reduce swelling! While the heat feels better..it actually causes inflamation.....

Answer 7

Heat will relax the swollen tissue and ibuprofen will reduce the pain.

Answer 8

Ice.

Answer 9

When I give blood, the instructions recommend ice for the site.

Answer 10

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