use heat or cold for injuries?

[keisuke]

wut shall i do to minor injuries to an ankle or elbow, should i ice it or apply warmth to it? thanks

[woofgang]

for ankles and wrists PROVIDED THAT YOU ARE SURE THAT THE DAMAGE IS MINOR then the best treatment is R.I.C.E Rest, Ice Compress, Elevate. Use a crepe bandage or sports bandage to gently compress the joint, cool the joint with ice wrapped in a towel or old t shirt. Don't put ice directly on the skin as you can get freezer burn. Rest the joint with the ankle slightly higher than the hip, or the wrist higher than the elbow in sitting or as high as the shoulder in lying, this will help to drain away any swelling. Keep the joint moving gently within the limits of your pain Elbows are a bit more complicated. You can use ice, again be careful of freezer burn. Keep the joint moving, do not rub or compress it. and of course, if in any doubt at all, see the doc.