Announcer: Health information from expects, supported by research. From University of Utah Health, this is TheScopeRadio.com.
Interviewer: This week's listener question is with Dr. Emily Harold. She's a sports medicine expert from the University of Utah and the question is: "Ice or heat for a sprained ankle?"
Treatment for a Sprained Ankle
Dr. Harold: That's a very good question. I get this question a lot in clinic. 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.
Make sure you put something between the ice and your skin so you don't freeze your skin because you can then get freezer burn. Take the ice pack off and once your skin re-warms, you can re-ice the area. So you could ice it as many times as you want during the day as long as you follow those rules.
Three Days After Injury
Once it's been about three days, you can put heat on the injury. Especially for muscle injuries, that tends to help warm up the area and make it a little easier to walk and get around during the day. The heat is also 15 minutes, put the barrier between the hot pad and your skin and let your skin go back to normal temperature before you would use heat again.
Typically, the rule of thumb for us is after three days, you would ice after you do an activity and you would heat prior to doing the activity. That way, you bring the blood flow before the activity and warm up the area. And then after you are done, you put the ice on the decrease on the information that might develop afterward.
Interviewer: How long is it until we can stop icing or putting heat on it?
Dr. Harold: Typically, I let pain be the guide. For a lot of people, within a few days, they don't need to ice or heat the injury anymore, although for some people that have some persistent pain that will last for a few weeks. And they tend to heat before activity and ice at the end of the day.
Still in Pain After One to Two Weeks?
Interviewer: When is it time to go to the doctor if this doesn't stop?
Dr. Harold: If it's been about one to two weeks and you don't feel there's any difference in your pain, then I think it's time to be evaluated.
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updated: July 18, 2018
originally published: January 26, 2017
I'm Dr. [Your Name], and I bring extensive expertise in sports medicine, having dedicated years to research and practice in the field. My qualifications include [mention your degrees, certifications, or any relevant credentials], and I've been actively involved in the sports medicine department at [your affiliated institution] where I've contributed to various research studies, publications, and clinical practices.
Now, let's delve into the information provided in the article featuring Dr. Emily Harold, a sports medicine expert from the University of Utah, discussing the treatment for a sprained ankle:
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Ice or Heat for a Sprained Ankle: Dr. Harold explains the rationale behind using ice or heat for a sprained ankle. Ice is recommended in the first two to three days after an injury as it decreases blood flow, reducing swelling. Heat, on the other hand, is suggested after three days, especially for muscle injuries, as it brings blood flow to the area, aiding in recovery.
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Application of Ice: When using ice, it's crucial to apply it for 10 to 15 minutes and place a barrier between the ice pack and the skin to prevent freezer burn. Dr. Harold advises removing the ice pack, letting the skin re-warm, and then reapplying the ice. This process can be repeated multiple times a day as long as the guidelines are followed.
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Transition to Heat: After the initial three days, heat can be applied for 15 minutes, with a barrier between the hot pad and the skin. This is particularly beneficial for muscle injuries, helping to warm up the area and improve mobility.
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Timing of Ice and Heat: The general guideline provided by Dr. Harold is to ice after an activity post the initial three days and to use heat before engaging in an activity. This sequence helps in preparing the injured area by increasing blood flow before activity and reducing inflammation afterward.
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Duration of Treatment: Dr. Harold emphasizes that the duration of ice or heat treatment depends on the individual's pain level. Most people may not need these interventions after a few days, but for those with persistent pain lasting weeks, a personalized approach of heating before activity and icing at the end of the day may be recommended.
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Seeking Medical Attention: If there is no improvement in pain after one to two weeks, Dr. Harold advises seeking medical evaluation. This suggests that persistent pain may indicate a need for further medical attention and assessment.
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Guidance on TheScopeRadio.com: The information is presented as part of TheScopeRadio.com, a platform from the University of Utah Health. This lends credibility to the advice, indicating that it is supported by experts and research from a reputable institution.
In summary, the article provides a comprehensive guide on using ice and heat for a sprained ankle, with practical recommendations based on the expertise of Dr. Emily Harold and supported by research from the University of Utah Health.
