After an injury from sports or just a mere accident from a simple jogging exercise or walking, a sprain can be disabling enough due to pain. So what needs to be done if this happens: can we put ice pack? or how about warm compress?
Here’s a Healthy Practice Tip:
Actually both can be applied to the injured site and can be used alternately. The purpose of applying heat is to relieve the swelling to the injured site by relaxing the muscles and allowing blood to flow to the injured site. It is said that moist heat is more effective than dry heat, so you can actually use a moist towel- make sure it’s warm rather than hot to prevent burns or rather still… take a hot bath or shower. Apply warm pack to the area 2-3x a day.
On the other hand, the purpose of using a cold pack to the injured site is mainly to reduce pain by numbing the injured area. Likewise cold compress can reduce the swelling as long as ice is applied at least twice a day, for about 15 minutes at a time. What I usually do is do is use pre-made ice packs that I always keep in my refrigerator. Other alternative is to put some ice cubes in a plastic bag or a towel.
So the next time somebody has a sprain in the family… you know what to do….
Warm or Cold: Both Can Do The Job!
Read My Other Healthy Practice Tips:
Know The HEALTH FACTS ... Because WEALTH THRU PERSONAL HEALTH is a COMMITMENT... NOT A CHOICE!
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