Do you ice or heat a rolled ankle?
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.
What should I do immediately after rolling my ankle?
Treatment
- Rest. Avoid activities that cause pain, swelling or discomfort.
- Ice. Use an ice pack or ice slush bath immediately for 15 to 20 minutes and repeat every two to three hours while you’re awake.
- Compression. To help stop swelling, compress the ankle with an elastic bandage until the swelling stops.
- Elevation.
Is heat good for a twisted ankle?
After an acute injury, ice should be used to minimize swelling for the first two to three days. After this period, heat can be used to increase blood flow and assist the natural healing process. Applying heat too early may cause additional swelling by increasing blood flow to the injury.
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.
Does icing a sprained ankle help?
Ice: Ice helps decrease swelling, bruising, pain, and muscle spasms. Putting ice on your ankle is helpful, but you need to be careful. Place a thin, damp cloth on your ankle before applying the ice. That will help protect your skin from frostbite.
Can you put Icy Hot on a sprained ankle?
Analgesics. Another option for treating a sore ankle is using analgesics. This treatment works well for reducing pain but it won’t treat swelling. Look for over the counter creams such as being Bengay, Icy Hot, or Aspercreme to help reduce the soreness of the injury.