How Long Should You Ice an Injury

There’s no precise time limit for icing an injury. However, there are a few recommendations you should follow. Icing an injury for too long can also result in damage that can worsen the existing injury.

Start by applying ice for 15 to 20 minutes. Don’t apply the ice for more than 20 minutes at a time. Over-icing can lead to stiffness and poor circulation. Allow 30 to 40 minutes between each time you ice your injury.

Here’s an example of how to properly ice an injury without causing additional damage:

• Do not put pressure on your injury. Avoid motions that jostle or irritate the affected area. This step is essential in aiding a speedy recovery.
• Icing for 15 to 20 minutes and leaving ice off for 30 to 40 minutes can help with pain management and mobility.
• Wrap your injury with a towel or bandage to encourage the swelling to go down. Avoiding excess swelling can reduce recovery time.
• Elevate your injured joint. This can help reduce throbbing and swelling.

If swelling and inflammation last more than 48 hours, you may have a more serious injury. Do not ignore it. If you are experiencing continued tenderness, inflammation, or redness, it’s time to see a healthcare provider.

If you think you may have broken a bone, you’ll want to seek immediate medical attention. This isn’t an injury you can treat with an ice pack.

Ignoring joint pain can lead to serious wear and tear on your body. Catching your joint pain early can help prevent long-term effects on your joint health. Your pain also may be signaling an underlying condition, like arthritis.

Some injuries, especially inflammation-related ones, respond well to ice and heat. However, there are a few rules to remember to avoid worsening the injury.

• If an injury has occurred to any body part within three days, ice is preferred - 20 minutes on and 30 to 40 minutes off.
• Pain to the back, neck, and large muscle groups like quads, hamstrings, and calves will respond well to heat after three days of injury.
• Use ice for joint pain, such as knees, elbows, and shoulders.

If your injury is due to negligence, contact Morgan & Morgan to discuss your case with a specialist.

Morgan & Morgan is the nation’s largest personal injury attorney, and we have a proven track record of success. If your injury results from someone’s negligent actions, you may be able to receive compensation. Contact Morgan & Morgan to schedule a free consultation with one of our specialists.