First Aid - Heat Vs. Cold Packs

In cases of sore and swollen muscles and joints, the most common first-aid remedies tend to be the application of heat and cold packs. Both are essential parts of any first-aid kit. It is important, however, to know when it is best to apply heat and when to apply cold. Certain injuries respond better to each of the methods, and other injuries respond best to alternating between heat and cold.

Types

• Ice packs can be made with ice collected in a container, packages of frozen peas (easily molded to the afflicted body part), pre-made chemical cold packs and ice baths. Heat can come from electric heating pads, chemical hot packs, hot water in baths or bottles and deep-heat creams.

Considerations

• Although painful injuries might make you want to use extreme heat and cold, it is best to use packs with more moderate temperatures. No matter what method you use, make sure that you are treating the underlying injury with other first aid, not just the pain.

Function

• Ice and cold packs are used to reduce swelling of muscles and joints, and they can also have the effect of numbing pain. Heat applied to an injury causes blood vessels to dilate and can relieve muscle spasms.

Time Frame

• Ice should be applied to an injury as soon after the initial problem as possible, assuming the skin is not broken. Heat should not be used for a new injury, especially if there is bleeding, as it will make the bleeding worse. When ice and heat are used in conjunction, alternate between them every 20 minutes or so, or whenever the skin turns slightly pink.

Benefits

• Alternating ice and heat can help relax muscles, which results in great benefits in the short term. Ice has continued use in the long term, with cold useful in relieving the pain and swelling associated with exertion and rehabilitation.

Warning

• Neither heat nor cold are effective in treating the underlying injuries, only the symptoms. Especially in the case of heat, the injured person needs to be careful not to burn the skin. Neither heat nor cold should be applied for more than 20 or 30 minutes, as there is no further benefit and both can damage the skin with prolonged exposure.