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Cold Sore Swelling Reduction
When to Utilize Hot or Cold Therapy For an Injury
When treating an injury such as a pulled muscle or sprained ankle, hot or cold therapy is often utilized. When using this type of therapy on an injury, many people are often unsure on which type of therapy they should use. The following outlines when to use either hot or cold therapy.
Hot Therapy
One should apply heat on an injured area when there is no inflammation. Heat therapy is typically used for such conditions as sore and stiff muscles as well as joint pain. The heat relaxes muscles and improves blood circulation. Experts believe the heat releases endorphins which inhibits pain signals to the brain. The effect of the heat causes the blood vessels to expand allowing the blood which carries oxygen and nutrients to circulate and reach the injured area. The boost in circulation allows excess fluid and waste to be carried away from the area allowing for healing to take place.
Heat therapy is often used before exercise or participating in sports so the muscles will be relaxed and more flexible. Heat is usually applied for about 20 minutes. A hot wet towel, hot pack, and heating pad are normally used in heat therapy. Heat therapy is popular for use on back injuries. It should not be used on sprained ankles and inflamed joints and muscles. The suitable temperature for heat therapy is about 104 to 113 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cold Therapy
Cold therapy is used for reducing pain, inflammation, and slowing metabolic action. The cold dulls nerve activity thereby inhibiting pain. For inflammation, cold constricts blood vessels which stop fluid from traveling to the injury where swelling occurs and permits fluid drainage. This allows for a reduction in swelling. Cold reduces muscle spasms and tightens muscles so they cannot stretch and extend which allows for healing.
Cold therapy is beneficial for immediate injuries as it reduces both pain and swelling. It is beneficial for treating lower back pain. Ice wrapped in a towel and cold packs are often used for about 10 minutes at a time. Some people will use a bag of ice or frozen vegetables such as peas. Cold therapy is also beneficial for chronic pain injuries. It should not be used before exercise because it tightens muscles making them less flexible.
When one sustains an injury due to such activities as heavy lifting, exercise, sports, or another activity that involves an intensive use of the muscles and ligaments, hot and cold therapy is an effective treatment for the injury. These injuries are quite common. The type of treatment you use will depend on the type of injury you receive. It is important to remember that an injury can be serious so it is vital that you see a doctor if the injury gets worse.
Many experts recommend seeing a doctor if the injury does not improve within 48 hours. Whether you use hot or cold therapy, it is essential to use the proper temperature and length of time for the most effective results.
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Sore Knee Treatment Plans That Can Really Work! - Treat Bad Knees Symptoms
Are you ever concerned about the health of your knees?
The pain from having sore knees can surface at any time, no matter who you may be. Knee pain does not care if you are old, or if you are a highschool athlete. Soreness in your knees can be a common symptom for people that are very active, or who are confined to istting with their knees bent for long periods of time. For the millions of people out there who suffer from sore knees, one question is on their mind: How can I effectively help to treat my knee pain without paying an "arm and a leg"?
With many people trying to save their hard earned money and not wanting to visit their doctor unless something is really more serious, more and more people are looking for at home remedies and treatments to provide relief from their common sore knee pain. - By no means are we saying that you should avoid your physician, in fact for medical advice you should see them. This is true, but at the same tiem many people have benefited rom the use of a knee brace as well.
At Home Treatment Plans That Have Worked For Many People
Rest: If you have sore knee pain problems, one of the most basic ways to help address your pain is by simply taking a rest. Lay in a comfortable position and relax your knees and place them in a normal position without bending them. When you are able to rest and relax your knees and legs, blodd flow is able to move more easily. If you stay off your feet for a prolonged period of time you will allow the muscles around the knee to relax and recover from the strain that you have placed on them.
Cold Ice Packs: If your sore knee pain is the result of an injury that you have received and immediately know its source; such as if you fall on it while playing a sport, you can provide immediate sore knees treatment in the form of a cold compress. In this case you will want to apply ice to the knee in intervals of 20 minutes up to three times a day. Monitor the skin as you do this process.
Knee Braces For Support and Pain Reduction
If your sore knee is the result of overuse or is the result of a long-term injury you will want to seriously consider getting a knee brace "on and off the field". Typically, many athletes (or just active people) who happen to suffer from sore knees will rely on a knee brace to help improve stability and help them get some pain relief. This can be a very helpful and preventitive treatment method of which you can apply to your life to help avoid sore knee problems.
Elevation: Another method to providing relief from sore knee pain is to elevate your leg while resting or after acquiring an injury that will later result in sore knees. You should keep the leg elevated above heart level. This can help assist you in reducing swelling.
Prevention Is Better Than Treatment
If you have been experiencing knee pain and know you will be competing in a sporting event, or participate exercising in some way, you should acquire and put a knee brace to use in order to protect your knee from further pain and damage.
Taking steps to prevent snore knees is always far better than having to resort to sore knees treatment after the injury . If you know that a certain activity has the potential to cause you to have sore knees, then you should take necessary action to avoid the activity or to make adjustments to your body to help make sure that you don't suffer any unnecessary pain.
(*This information may be helpful, but always speak with your physician about medical advice for your particular situation)
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Knee Brace Super Store - If you would like to take your knee stability to the next level (affordably) or get some really helpful knee padding, then visit us online today at http://www.drbraceco.com DRBRACECO is an education based site, created by true brace specialists, that can provide helpful information and meaningful support for your knee. If you have questions come to our site and let us know. We will respond.
