I hurt this knee years ago and it has re-occuring problems...like when I jog on it it will get swollen if I do not wear a knee brace. Anyway, I tripped yesterday and fell on the same knee. Today it is bruised and a little swollen, not bad. I want to treat it...I have heard ice pack first and then warm compress afterwards...is that the answer? Just curious.
2007-03-11 01:57:19 · 10 answers · asked by H 3 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ First Aid
The best thing to remember is this: cold for swelling, heat for muscle. Everybody knows why cold works for swelling, but heat works for muscle due to vasodialation and incresed blood flow.
Remeber to use some form of barrier between your skin and the cold (towel) so as not to irritate the skin.
20 minutes on ice, 20 minutes off. The heat won't help with swelling or bone. Motrin is good too. Not as much for pain as it is for its antiinflammatroy effects.
Good Luck!
2007-03-11 03:33:26 · answer #1 · answered by J P 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In the case of any inflammation (swelling/redness) start with ice. Increasing heat to the area will increase the swelling. You probably have some fluid build up already inside the joint and this is what is causing the pain. You don't want to increase the swelling because this increases strain on the ligaments. If the swelling gets bad enough the joint can actually slip or the ligaments can tear.
It is likely a good idea NOT to do any jogging until the pain and swelling subside. Settle for some more gentle exersizing for a while. The older you get the longer these things take to heal. If you have a brace you could wear it when walking. Support the joint and keep it elevated when relaxing. Do not keep it stiff all the time or it can stiffen up.
After a few days of icing the area on and off you can apply heat. By this time the inflammatory processes inside the joint have settled down and the heat will help increase circulation.
2007-03-11 05:06:00 · answer #2 · answered by Suean 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ice packs for the first 72 hours then alternate with hot and cold also take an anti inflammatory such as Iburprofen. Good luck!
2007-03-11 07:54:23 · answer #3 · answered by fluffyflo_1999 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ice the first 24-48 hours. Then warm. keep elevated to allow swelling to do down.
2007-03-11 03:04:37 · answer #4 · answered by mimegamy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can try Rescue Remedy spray or cream. It will heal not only this bruise but the trauma of your past injury too. To know more about Rescue Remedy, go to the free online course at:
http://floweressencesintro.onlinecourse.com/
Bach Flower Essences are 38 in number and Rescue Remedy is a combination of 5 remedies (essences).
2007-03-11 06:13:02 · answer #5 · answered by Swamy 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes, alternate cold - hot compresses...However it sounds like you need to see an orthopedic physician. If you have had reoccuring problems...you don't want to damage it any more than it already is..I am not a doctor..but I would seek medical treatment/advice to be on the safe side..Good Luck
2007-03-11 03:02:27 · answer #6 · answered by kiya12bc 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ice for swelling, always. Take some Motrin for pain as well as helping lessen the swelling.
2007-03-11 03:00:59 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
20 min ice then 20 min heat
2007-03-11 03:00:43 · answer #8 · answered by 1401 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
ice packs and keep it elevated. i sprained mine 6 months ago and thats what the doctor told me in the emergency room. worked for me :)
2007-03-11 03:04:17 · answer #9 · answered by ~beagleluvr~ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ICE
2007-03-11 05:39:08 · answer #10 · answered by James k 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋