Applying ice is one of the basic treatments for injuries. It is generally used within the first 48 hours after injury, while heat is more suitable for chronic pain. Ice reduces pain, inflammation and speeds up the healing process. However, this procedure does not simply mean putting an ice bag and leaving it on the lesion. If you want to avoid further problems, you need to learn how to apply it correctly and make sure the wound heals quickly and adequately.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Assess the Injury
Step 1. Evaluate all wounds before deciding on the type of treatment
There are different types of injuries that require a cold pack. In most cases, these are minor bruises and bumps that do not require special medical attention. In other circumstances, such as fractures, dislocations, and concussions, emergency services should be sought. If you are not sure what type of injury you have suffered, go to the doctor or the emergency room to get a diagnosis and correct treatment.
Step 2. Check for bone fractures
In this case it is necessary to go to the emergency room to receive immediate treatment. You can apply a cold compress to the broken bone to reduce swelling and pain. Put ice only while you are waiting for medical treatment and not as a substitute for proper treatments. If you experience any of the symptoms listed below, call 911 or go to the hospital.
- A deformed body part. For example, the presence of an abnormal curve or crease in the forearm that clearly indicates the fracture of the bone.
- A severe pain that gets worse when you move that part of the body or apply pressure to it.
- Loss of functionality of the injured area. Often the area downstream from the fracture loses some or all of its motility. For example, in the event of a broken leg bone, you may have difficulty moving your foot.
- The bone protrudes from the skin. In some severe fractures, the broken bone presses from the inside and passes through the skin.
Step 3. Check if you have a dislocation
In this case, one or both of the bones that form a joint come out of their natural location. Again it is necessary to seek medical attention. You can apply ice while you wait for help, such as with a fracture. If you experience the following symptoms, keep the injured area still, apply a cold pack, and seek professional help.
- A visible deformation or dislocation of the joint
- Bruising or swelling around the joint
- Strong pain;
- Immobility. It is often difficult or impossible to move the part of the body under the dislocated joint.
Step 4. Pay attention to concussion
Although ice is often applied for bruises and bumps on the head, you need to be sure you have not experienced this type of trauma. This is a serious injury that requires immediate medical attention. The hallmark of concussion is confusion or amnesia, which often precedes loss of consciousness. It is difficult to self-diagnose this type of injury, so it is important that another person can check for the following symptoms to seek medical help if a concussion is suspected.
- Loss of consciousness. Even if it is a very brief faint, limited to a few seconds, it could be indicative of a serious injury and you need to seek immediate medical attention.
- Intense headache;
- Confusion, dizziness and disorientation;
- Nausea or vomiting
- Ringing in the ears
- Difficulty articulating words and aphasia.
Step 5. Consider applying heat or cold therapy
Once you have carefully analyzed the type of injury and made sure that no medical attention is needed, you can choose the right treatment to implement. For minor injuries, people are often uncertain between heat and cold therapy. Both are used, but for different situations.
- Apply ice immediately after the injury. This is typically the best treatment within 48 hours of the accident occurring, as it helps reduce swelling, pain, and signs of inflammation.
- Heat is indicated for muscle aches that are not associated with a specific injury. Before engaging in physical activity or playing a sport, you can apply it to those muscle groups that can be injured, so as to loosen and warm them.
Part 2 of 3: Apply Ice to the Injury
Step 1. Prepare the compress
You can choose to buy a ready-made pack in stores or to make a homemade one.
- Those you find on the market can be in gel and must remain in the freezer to be used whenever they are needed. Alternatively, you can find instant ice packs, which cool immediately and can only be used once. There should always be an ice pack in your home and first aid kits, but there are also several home solutions you can choose from.
- Put some ice cubes in a plastic bag. Then fill the bag with enough water to cover the cubes; let all the air out before sealing the container.
- Alternatively, you can use a pack of frozen vegetables and use it for the same purpose. Peas are particularly suitable because they adapt perfectly to the shape of the part of the body to be treated and can be put in and taken out of the freezer as often as necessary.
Step 2. Wrap the ice pack in a cloth
You should never place it directly on your skin, otherwise you could get cold burns and nerve damage. To avoid this, it is important that the compress is wrapped in a towel.
Step 3. Elevate the injured area
While holding the ice in place, you should lift the injured area. In this way the blood drains from the suffering tissues reducing the swelling. Ice in combination with elevation helps fight inflammation.
Step 4. Apply ice
This remedy is much more effective when practiced immediately after the injury, so you need to act promptly.
- Press the compress to the area to make sure the entire affected area cools down adequately.
- If necessary, you can block it with a non-stick bandage or cling film. Wrap the band comfortably around the ice and the injured area. Make sure it's not too tight, or it may block blood circulation. If the limb starts to turn purplish / bluish it means that the bandage is too tight and you need to loosen it right away.
Step 5. Remove the ice after 20 minutes
You should never leave it on the body for more than 20 minutes at a time, otherwise it can lead to cold injuries and other skin damage. Remove it and do not reapply until the skin regains its complete sensitivity.
Avoid falling asleep while applying ice, you risk keeping it for hours and could cause skin damage. Set an alarm or ask someone to call you when the 20 minutes have passed
Step 6. Repeat the treatment after two hours
Continue to alternate 20 minutes of application with two hours of rest for three days or until the swelling disappears completely.
Step 7. Take some pain relievers
If the pain from the injury is very severe, you can take over-the-counter medications to manage it.
- NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are particularly suitable for fighting swelling and inflammation. Among them are ibuprofen (Brufen, Oki) and naproxen (Aleve, Momendol).
- Always follow the instructions on the leaflet when taking medications, to avoid the risk of overdose.
Step 8. See your doctor if your symptoms don't improve
If you have treated the injury with ice for three days, but there is still swelling and the pain does not subside, there may be a fracture or dislocation that you were unable to locate. See your doctor to see if the injury is more serious than it initially seemed.
Part 3 of 3: Learn Basic Injury Care
Step 1. Implement the RICE protocol
This is the standard and most popular treatment for most acute injuries. The term derives from the English acronym that indicates: Rest (rest), Ice (ice), Compression (compression) and Elevate (elevation). By following this procedure, you can help your body heal the injury quickly and correctly.
Step 2. Rest the injured area
This part of the body can take further damage, so you need to rest it for at least a few days while it heals. Avoid doing particularly strenuous activities until she is completely healed.
Listen to your body. If you experience pain during a particular activity, you need to avoid it until you feel better
Step 3. Ice the area
Continue with this procedure for at least three days after the injury. Prolonged application of ice reduces inflammation and aids in the healing process.
Step 4. Compress the wound
Wrap an elastic bandage around the injured area to stabilize it. Doing so prevents further injuries from occurring which would aggravate the situation.
Make sure the bandage is comfortable, not too tight. If you experience tingling or numbness in the area, the bandage is too tight. In this case, loosen it and bandage the wound more loosely again
Step 5. Elevate the affected area
By lifting it, you facilitate blood drainage, reduce swelling, inflammation and allow the wound to heal faster.
Ideally you should lift it higher than your heart to make sure blood is draining from the injured area. If the wound is on your back, try to lie down by placing pillows under the area
Advice
Generally, the tactile sensation of ice on the injury is rather unpleasant, but the result outweighs any temporary discomfort you may feel
Warnings
- Never apply ice directly to the skin to avoid chilblains and nerve damage. Wrap it first in a towel or t-shirt, always.
- Make sure you don't fall asleep with the ice resting on the injured area.
