The above was a PM I got from Master Sergeant:

I wanted to post it here in case any of you had the same question.

Cold is used for acute injury (acute meaning sudden injury) such as a sprain or swelling. It will help contract the veins and bring down swelling and pain. It should be used only for 30 minutes at a time.

Heat is used for chronic injury (meaning long lasting) such as back aches, muscle cramps or menstrual cramps. Alternating hot and cold will work also for chronic injury on some people. For this method alternate hot and cold at 30 minute intervals.

starryeyed

Good stuff - but I'm confused - in this case - swollen ankles from too much activity - that's cold, right?

J_9

yes, that would be cold. It is considered an acute injury. Cold is used to lessen swelling. You want to constrict the veins (vasoconstriction) so that the swelling goes down.

Heat will increase swelling.

J_9

No, Starryeyed, it is not a dumb question. Many people do not know how to use hot and cold properly.

If everyone knew, we would not have an entire class period about it in nursing school.

The technique of hot and cold is commonly misused and can cause tissue damage if not used correctly.

Acute injury - happens right now, real fast.... sprain, bug bite....... in this context it is anything that causes immediate injury. This is time for cold.

Chronic injury - has been going on for a long time... bad back.... menstrual cramps...... (in this context it is something you have had for a while). This needs heat, usually moist heat. Sometimes this should be alternated with cold.