• Question: Why do you have to put ice when you hurt yourself?

    Asked by Inés Pérez to Andrew, Dan, Emilia, Helen, Katy, LauraAnne, Stephanie on 14 Nov 2016.
    • Photo: LauraAnne Furlong

      LauraAnne Furlong answered on 14 Nov 2016:

      Ice is applied to an area to reduce the heat and swelling that happens with an injury, and to numb the pain in the area. It slows the amount of blood rushing to the area because when the ice is applied, the blood vessels in the area get smaller so less blood can come through. However, when the blood rushes to the area, it also brings things that can help to heal it, which is why there is now much debate over whether you should use ice, or what the best way to ice is.

      Applying ice to a injury for ten minutes, then taking it off for ten minutes, then reapplying it again for another 10 minutes, every two hours for the first 24-48 hours after the injury happens is still the most commonly recommended thing to do with an injury like an ankle sprain or a muscle sprain, but it is something scientists are doing research into to find out what is the best thing to do.

    • Photo: Katy Griggs

      Katy Griggs answered on 14 Nov 2016:

      I completely agree with Laura Anne, ice is used to reduce the swelling following injury. The RICE procedure is good to remember. It stands for rest, ice, compression and elevate and is used to treat soft tissue injuries, such as sprains and strains.

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