I fell 2 days ago and hurt my knee, since then I've been icing it once a day for 15min. Should I be applying heat instead of ice?
2007-03-05 08:45:16 · 8 answers · asked by Bobby Drake aka Ice Man 1 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Injuries
if the injury was two days ago, you should alternate ice and heat. for the first 48 hours it should be ice for 15-20 minute intervals every 2 hours to reduce swelling and inflammation. after 48 hours, alternate ice and heat. ice will reduce any swelling and heat will increase the blood flow to the area.
2007-03-05 19:04:31 · answer #1 · answered by scburk67 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should ice it for 20 minutes every 2 hours all day to help reduce swelling and pain. Heat would increase the circulation to that area and in turn increase your pain and swelling.
2007-03-05 10:33:51 · answer #2 · answered by Devaneymom 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It should be heat for 3 10 minute intervals then ice for 3 ten minute intervals repeat for the duration of the injury - that is why Icy Hot is so popular it accomplishes both. At this stage it is safe to apply providing your skin is free of cuts and scrapes. Good Luck!
2007-03-05 09:08:04 · answer #3 · answered by Walking on Sunshine 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Ice your knee and then apply heat. The heat will increase blood flow to your knee after you ice it.
2007-03-05 08:54:05 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
After the first 48 hours you can alternate hot and cold. If you have pain for more than a week you should see a doctor. You might want to consider taking an over the counter anti-inflamatory if you're uncomfortable.
2007-03-05 08:53:46 · answer #5 · answered by Lorrie C 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Depends on what's wrong. If it's swollen, icing will help reduce that. If it's stiff from muscle strain, heat's the ticket to loosen it up.
2007-03-05 08:56:56 · answer #6 · answered by stmichaeldet 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ice only
2007-03-05 08:52:22 · answer #7 · answered by Landau C 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
ask before trying one.I've heard that for back pain like a spasm you have to mix hot and cold.
hope u get better!
2007-03-05 08:55:47 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋