Which should you use for an injury when you are told to put an icepack on but you are also get told to put deep heat on it?

Answer 1

Instructions from doctors and nurses sometimes aren't clear, especially if you are not used to first aid or medical practices. What they should have clearly told you is:

1. Apply only an icepack for the first 24 to 72 hours (1 day up to 3 days. You should put a cloth or towel around the icepack--never apply ice directly to the skin unless it's an emergency situation and there's no cloth or towel on hand. You should apply up to 15-20 minutes. You could check the site to make sure the skin color is not changing (you can damage the skin if it gets too cold). If it feels way too cold during the 15-20 minutes, lift off. Each time you remove the ice, you can reapply it about every 3-4 hours the first day; every 4-6 hours the second day; and the last day every 6-8 hours. On minor injuries, you may only need it for part of the first day. For more serious injuries, you may need the full 3 days. Rationale (reason) for ice FIRST: Ice reduces swelling, which then makes it quicker to get mobility back faster.
2. Apply only heat from 72 hours after the injury and going forward. The rational (reason) for heat is it provides comfort and helps blood flow to that area. The blood brings macrophages to the area to help clean up cellular debris. For example, it will help reduce infection at the site. Note: It should be "moist heat" not dry heat.

NOTE: Some doctors and nurses say to use whichever feels better or best but that is only after 72 hours. You should only use ice the first few days. But if it swells again on the 8th day, for example, you can go back to ice for a day or two.

NOTE 2: Do not fall asleep with ice or heat on your skin. You can freeze or burn the skin. Check the skin frequently. Do not reapply ice if the skin starts to turn white or bluish white. Do not reapply heat if the skin turns red or has blisters.