How to do ice compress after sports injury? The doctor pointed out that the common problem of sports injury maintenance is that many people don't know the timing and precautions of using ice. The simplest understanding is to use ice to reduce swelling and hot compress to recover-when the swelling does not disappear, the ice compress time should not exceed 72 hours, and then use hot compress to promote blood circulation and accelerate metabolism and recovery.

The doctor pointed out that when sports injuries occur, the timing of ice compress and hot compress is very different, so we should remember two points: ice compress reduces swelling, and hot compress promotes blood circulation and helps recovery. Ice or hot compress?

Luo Haoru, an attending physician in the Department of Orthopaedics of Renai Hospital, said that China people's health awareness is on the rise, and they exercise to lose weight in their spare time. However, when an accidental injury occurs, they ignore the way of health care. When sports injury occurs, the effect of ice compress will make blood vessels contract and the metabolic rate decrease, thus achieving the effect of relieving pain and controlling inflammation; Hot compress can raise body temperature, relax blood vessels, increase body metabolic rate, promote local circulation, and effectively improve tissue self-healing ability.

The timing of ice compress

Dr. Luo Haoru pointed out that the recovery of injury varies from person to person, and the severity and location of injury will also affect the time course of tissue recovery. It is suggested to observe whether there is still acute inflammatory reaction of redness, swelling, heat and pain in the affected area. If there are still the above symptoms, ice compress should be given, but it should not last for more than 72 hours. On the contrary, after chronic pain and swelling, you can choose hot compress.

Ice compress: It is best to use an ice pack. If there is no ice pack for the time being, you can put the ice in a plastic bag, add a little water, wrap it in a towel and put it on the affected area for about 20 minutes, and you can do it three times a day.

Hot compress: if there is no hot water bag, you can apply hot water to the affected area, and the temperature should be controlled at 40 ~ 45 degrees. Don't feel hot. In addition, it should be noted that if you use electric blankets, warm packs and other hot compresses, remember not to exceed 15 minutes to avoid overheating and burns.

Matters needing attention in ice hot compress

Dr. Luo Haoru mentioned that parts with less fat, such as ankles, knees and elbows, should not be used for too long; Fat parts, such as thighs and buttocks, can be given a little longer. As for people who feel particularly sensitive or dull (such as diabetes) and patients with abnormal blood circulation, ice and hot compress should be especially careful.