What is better for a sprained ankle heat or cold?

What is better for a sprained ankle heat or cold?

Treatment for a Sprained Ankle So, typically, ice decreases blood flow to an area, which causes less swelling, whereas heat will bring blood flow to an area which can cause more swelling. Usually, in the first two to three days after an injury, we would recommend ice only. You put the ice on for about 10 to 15 minutes.

Does icing a sprained ankle help it heal faster?

Attempting to return to sports or other activities too quickly increases the risk of another injury. Using an ice pack may reduce blood flow to the injury and help ease pain and swelling. The American Academy of Family Physicians suggest applying an ice pack to the sprain for 10–20 minutes at a time.

Can heat help a sprained ankle?

Heat opens up the vessels to promote blood flow and stimulates healing of the damaged tissues. It can ease pain and improve stiffness before activity. While you may be as tough as nails, you don’t want to be pushing through the pain of an ankle sprain.

Can Ice make a sprained ankle worse?

“Ice doesn’t increase healing—it delays it,” Mirkin says, And a 2013 review of studies on the best ways to treat a sprained ankle, conducted by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, agrees.

How many days should you ice a sprained ankle?

Use ice treatments every 2 to 4 hours for the first 3 days after your injury. Compression: You can wrap your sprained ankle to avoid swelling and bruising. You might need to do this for several days or a week after your injury. Your doctor can show you the best way to do this.

When should I put heat on sprained ankle?

During the first 72 hours, heat should be avoided to prevent increased swelling and inflammation. After about 72 hours, heat can be incorporated into treatment to increase blood flow and aid the overall healing process.

How long should I rest a sprained ankle?

How long it takes for a sprain or strain to heal. After 2 weeks, most sprains and strains will feel better. Avoid strenuous exercise such as running for up to 8 weeks, as there’s a risk of further damage. Severe sprains and strains can take months to get back to normal.

How often should you ice a sprained ankle?

You should only use ice for up to 20 minutes at a time. If your skin feels numb, it’s time to remove the ice. Use ice treatments every 2 to 4 hours for the first 3 days after your injury. Compression: You can wrap your sprained ankle to avoid swelling and bruising.

Why should ice be applied to a sprained ankle?

Applying an ice pack to the injured ankle will cause the blood vessels to constrict and to limit blood flow to the injured area, which minimizes swelling. Applying ice to the injured ankle has the added benefit of providing pain relief by numbing the nerve endings in the area. You can buy gel ice packs at a pharmacy or drugstore.

Is it bad to put Heat on a sprained ankle?

Ankle sprain treatment heat allows the circulation of blood and may appear to be the best natural way for healing ankle sprains . The strains not only occur from sports but also injuries from falling and twisting amongst others. Although the best method of treatment has been using ice, heat method helps to relieve pain.

Why does ice help a sprained ankle?

An ice pack is one of the standard treatment procedures for healing a sprained ankle. An ice pack should be applied within thirty minutes of the ankle sprain to reduce pain and swelling. The cold from the ice can help to limit pain and inflammation by reducing the blood flow to the damaged ligaments.

When to use ice or heat?

Heat for an Injury. The general rule of thumb for determining whether to use ice or heat: ice is intended to reduce swelling and inflammation. Use ice on acute injuries that have occurred in the last 48 hours. Heat packs are reserved for chronic pain and conditions to loosen tissues and stimulate blood flow.