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    J_9's Avatar
    J_9 Posts: 40,298, Reputation: 5646
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    #1

    Sep 25, 2006, 02:52 PM
    Hot or Cold?
    Master Sergeant
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    Join Date: Sep 2006
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    Re: REGARDING YOUR PROFESSION AND SUCH
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by J_9
    What is it you would like to know as I do not give out my e-mail address. I can help you through PM if you would like.


    Hi, thanks for the response. I have a Marines that work for me that periodically get swollen ankles and muscles from excessive workouts and marching. I'm a bit confused of when it comes to using Hot or Cold compresses. Usually we try to just ignore the pain, but sometimes... its just a little hard to do :) Thanks.
    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's Avatar
    starryeyed Posts: 49, Reputation: 6
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    #2

    Sep 25, 2006, 03:12 PM
    Good stuff - but I'm confused - in this case - swollen ankles from too much activity - that's cold, right?
    J_9's Avatar
    J_9 Posts: 40,298, Reputation: 5646
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    #3

    Sep 25, 2006, 03:21 PM
    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's Avatar
    J_9 Posts: 40,298, Reputation: 5646
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    #4

    Sep 25, 2006, 06:03 PM
    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.
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