Ice treatment is most commonly used for acute injuries, such as an ankle sprain. Using an ice pack on your injury will minimize swelling, reduce bleeding into your tissues, and reduce muscle spasms and pain. Applying an ice pack as quickly as you can following your injury, and as often as you can within the first 48 hours following your injury, will set you up for a quicker return to action.

Ice treatments may also be used for chronic conditions, such as overuse injuries in athletes. In this case, ice the injured area after activity to help control inflammation. Avoid icing a chronic injury before activity.

When applying ice directly to an injury, keep the pack moving to avoid ice burns, and remove the pack immediately if your injury appears bright pink or red. Avoid using ice packs around the front or side of your neck.

Heat treatment is effective in treating chronic conditions because it helps relax and loosen tissues and stimulate blood flow to the affected area. Use heat treatments for chronic conditions before participating in activities.

"It is important to avoid using heat treatments after athletic activity or after you've suffered an acute injury," explains Dr. Jason W. Thackeray, sports medicine doctor at Orthopaedic Associates. "Swelling is caused by bleeding in your tissue, and heat will increase blood flow to the affected area."

Heating tissues can be accomplished using a heating pad or even a hot, wet towel. When using heat treatments, be very careful to use a moderate heat for a limited time to avoid burns. Never leave heating pads or towels on for extended periods of time or while sleeping.

It is also important to avoid using cold or heat treatments in the following circumstances:

• Over areas of skin that are in poor condition


• Over areas of skin with poor sensation to heat or cold


• Over areas of the body with known poor circulation


• Without discussing with your doctor the safe use of ice and heat, especially for those with diabetes


• In the presence of infection

If you've experienced an injury, call 850-316-8066 to schedule an appointment with one of the doctors at Orthopaedic Associates. For additional injury treatment tips, "like" Orthopaedic Associates on Facebook or follow @Ortho_AssocFL on Twitter.

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