“If I sprain my hand, should I put a hot compress or a cold compress?”
I recently sprained my hand while picking up a heavy object. I have applied some ointment that should be working on pain relief. I want to also put a compress as it provides relief in sprains. I am confused if I should hot compress or a cold compress.
5 Answers
Cold will help reduce acute inflammation during the first 48-72 hours after an injury. However, if they window of time has elapsed it will likely not provide much of a benefit. Heat may afford you some temporary relief particularly before you warm your hand up for therapy and range of motion exercises
In our experience, a heating pad to the injured area can be helpful. It is important to always seek a medical evaluation by a licensed professional.
Just do what feels comfortable. Sometimes inflammation feels better with cold, so ice is better and other times, the tissues feel better with heat. Good news about orthopaedics is, if it feels good, do it and if it doesn’t, stop.
I would recommend getting a splint to immobilize the hand instead of compresses or ointments. A splint for 3 weeks will allow it to heal without additional trauma.
After injuries I recommend ice for the first 48 hours, and then heat after that.
