How does an ice pack reduce swelling and promote healing in injured areas?

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In summary, the application of an ice pack to an injured area is beneficial for reducing pain, swelling, and further tissue damage. The coldness of the ice constricts blood vessels and inhibits the swelling response, while also numbing the area and preventing further damage. This is why ice packs are commonly used to treat injuries in both children and adults. Additionally, dry ice and liquid nitrogen have been used in the past for medical procedures such as removing warts and skin cancers, as the extreme coldness causes cells to burst and die. However, these days liquid nitrogen is preferred due to its faster and more targeted effect. Overall, the use of cold therapy has been found to be effective in managing pain and promoting healing in injured areas.
  • #1
pivoxa15
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It is common to see children when hurt while playing given ice packs to the injured area. Why is this coldness good? Does it numb the injured area so sensory signals less frequently reach the central nervous system?

Also dry ice such as CO2 is able to 'burn' skin because of its very low temperture, not through any chemical effect. It has been used in the past by doctors to remove warts and even small skin cancers. How does dry ice 'burn' skin? How does it remove what they claim is it the burning effect?

The article said that these days liquid nitrogen is used instead of CO2 as it is far colder and temporarily anaesthetises the skin - which goes back to my first question? It also burn warts and cancers more effectively.
 
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  • #2
pivoxa15 said:
It is common to see children when hurt while playing given ice packs to the injured area. Why is this coldness good? Does it numb the injured area so sensory signals less frequently reach the central nervous system?
It does, but it also constricts blood vessels, staunching blood flow and inhibiting swelling.

pivoxa15 said:
Also dry ice such as CO2 is able to 'burn' skin because of its very low temperture, not through any chemical effect. It has been used in the past by doctors to remove warts and even small skin cancers. How does dry ice 'burn' skin? How does it remove what they claim is it the burning effect?
The cold freezes all the water in the cells, causing them to burst and die. Nitrogen is faster, meaning it's more effective and easier to "focus" the effect ( i.e. avoid collateral damage to surrounding tissues).
 
  • #3
There is another application of cold: to prevent hair-loss during chemotherapy. A cold-cap is applied to the scalp, the cold constricts the bloodvessels so that the chemotherapeutic agent is unable to access that area and can thus not kill off the dividing cells of the hair follicle. A drawback is that metastases might escape treatment if they are located in the cold area, so it is not always used.
 
  • #4
DaveC426913 said:
It does, but it also constricts blood vessels, staunching blood flow and inhibiting swelling.

So the ice pack is more of a short term thing. To prevent the kids from cying too much.


DaveC426913 said:
The cold freezes all the water in the cells, causing them to burst and die. Nitrogen is faster, meaning it's more effective and easier to "focus" the effect ( i.e. avoid collateral damage to surrounding tissues).

Is that what causes the burning sensation - cells bursting due to expansion of liquid when frozen.

We usually talk about burning when putting our hand into the fire. Does the fire also burn our cells and when they burst we get the burning sensation? Its just that we are more use to being burned by hottness than coldness that we associate burn with hot.
 
  • #5
Why am I getting a sense of deja vu? Haven't we had this convo before?
pivoxa15 said:
So the ice pack is more of a short term thing. To prevent the kids from cying too much.
Partly, but it also prevents further damage.


pivoxa15 said:
Is that what causes the burning sensation - cells bursting due to expansion of liquid when frozen.

We usually talk about burning when putting our hand into the fire. Does the fire also burn our cells and when they burst we get the burning sensation? Its just that we are more use to being burned by hottness than coldness that we associate burn with hot.
Well, anything that stimulates the nerves will cause our brain to feel that sensation. Heat and cold are somehwat linked. I think one gets to the brain faster, masking the other one.

Note: our brains do not actually know what really happens, they can only know what the nerves tell them, and those messages can be fiddled with (which is why acupuncture works. You don't HAVE to stimalate the nerve at its end, say, in your finger. If you could isolate the nerve that runs to your finger, and stimulate it in your armpit, your brain thinks your finger has been poked.)
 
  • #6
pivoxa15 said:
So the ice pack is more of a short term thing. To prevent the kids from cying too much.
The reduction in swelling also reduces the amount of injury to surrounding tissue so it will heal faster.

Is that what causes the burning sensation - cells bursting due to expansion of liquid when frozen.

We usually talk about burning when putting our hand into the fire. Does the fire also burn our cells and when they burst we get the burning sensation? Its just that we are more use to being burned by hottness than coldness that we associate burn with hot.

That "burning" sensation isn't associated with temperature sensation, but is a pain sensation. It doesn't matter if it's caused by hot or cold or a cut, it's all the same "stinging" feeling.
 
  • #7
Moonbear said:
The reduction in swelling also reduces the amount of injury to surrounding tissue so it will heal faster.

How does the ice pack reduce swelling?


Moonbear said:
That "burning" sensation isn't associated with temperature sensation, but is a pain sensation. It doesn't matter if it's caused by hot or cold or a cut, it's all the same "stinging" feeling.

Ok. And the pain sensation is due to the bursting or damage of cells?
 
  • #8
pivoxa15 said:
How does the ice pack reduce swelling?
When you injure yourself, you get a local dilation of the bloodvessels as a response to the injury. This will lead to an increased bloodflow to the area, causing redness and warmth.
At the same time the bloodvessels locally permeabilize so that the increased number of passing leukocytes can pass the bloodvessel wall and enter the injured tissue to start the healing process. The white blood cells will release cytokines, that will attracts additional cells. The permeabilization increases the passage of plasma into the tissue, causing swelling. Pain results from the swelling and probably other factors.

So, an icepack will cause the contraction the dilating bloodcells, thereby the circulation in the area is reduced, there won't be enough circulating white bloodcells to start an inflammation reaction -> reduced swelling.
 

1. How does using cold aid in healing humans?

Cold therapy, also known as cryotherapy, can help reduce inflammation and pain in the body. When cold is applied to the affected area, it constricts blood vessels and slows down nerve impulses, which can decrease swelling and discomfort. Cold therapy also helps to decrease the metabolic rate of cells, which can slow down tissue damage and promote healing in the affected area.

2. What types of conditions can be treated with cold therapy?

Cold therapy can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including acute injuries such as sprains, strains, and bruises. It can also be beneficial for chronic conditions such as arthritis, tendonitis, and overuse injuries. Additionally, cold therapy can be used after surgery to reduce pain and swelling and promote healing.

3. Are there any risks or side effects associated with using cold therapy for healing?

Cold therapy is generally considered safe, but there are some potential risks and side effects. Some individuals may experience numbness or tingling in the affected area, and in rare cases, prolonged exposure to cold can lead to frostbite. It is important to follow proper guidelines and not apply cold therapy for too long to avoid these potential side effects.

4. How long should cold therapy be applied for optimal healing?

The duration of cold therapy will vary depending on the type of injury or condition being treated. Typically, it is recommended to apply cold therapy for 10-20 minutes at a time, several times a day, for the first 48-72 hours after an injury. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for specific recommendations based on individual circumstances.

5. Can anyone use cold therapy for healing, or are there certain limitations?

Cold therapy can be used by most individuals, but there are some limitations. People with conditions such as Raynaud's disease, cold urticaria, or peripheral neuropathy should avoid cold therapy as it may worsen their symptoms. Additionally, it is important to use caution when applying cold therapy to areas with decreased sensation or poor circulation. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using cold therapy to ensure it is safe for your specific situation.

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