Steps to Reduce Injury Inflammation and Swelling

When we hurt ourselves, our bodies respond by becoming swollen with excess fluid around the injury site. This acts as a protective barrier, but is also painful and can cause immobility if left unchecked. Out of control swelling can complicate your condition by:

• Hampering the healing process
• Lead to further inflammation
• Limit how much you can move

These symptoms can extend how long you are laid up from injury unless you take appropriate action. If you find yourself struggling with severe swelling, try these top treatment options to help reduce it and allow your body to begin healing.

Take Time to Rest

Continuing to use a part of your body that has suffered an injury will prolong your inflammation. Go lay down and rest.

Use Cold Therapy and Compression

Cold therapy is a proven technique to combat pain and swelling during the first 48 hours after an injury. 20-30 minute intervals throughout the day will help alleviate the majority of this inflammation. Couple this with a compressive bandage and your discomfort will stay at a minimum.

Elevate the Injured Area

You can further reduce swelling by keeping the injured area elevated above your heart. For those who suffered leg traumas, you should be seated with your feet up or reclined, but avoid too much time sitting or in bed to avoid blood clots from forming.

Use Pain Relievers

Muscle strains respond well to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen products. These medications aid your body in reducing swelling and ease pain. Always follow the dosing guidelines and check with your doctor about possible counterindications.

Controlling Injury Specific Swelling

Your body will naturally respond to trauma with inflammation, and certain conditions require different approaches to control it.

Foot Traumas

Compression bandages with the elevation of the foot above the heart will help ease fluid retention. The use of ice in conjunction with these therapies will help you throughout your day.

Ankle Injuries

One of the more common injuries experienced in our lifetimes, using cold therapy, compression, and elevation will ease swelling.

Knee Sprains and Strains

Knee injuries will have a profound effect on your ability and range of motion due to swelling. Use cold therapy and an elastic brace in conjunction with assistive equipment to reduce pressure.

Injuries to the Leg

Compression wraps and cold therapy work together to become one of the most effective methods for minimizing inflammation and pain after hurting your leg.

If you want a more natural approach to ease the stiffness and discomfort associated with an injury, use a Game Ready® Ice Machine to reduce swelling and remove excess fluid. Game Ready® has innovated some of the most relied upon cold therapy systems available today. At OrthoPro Services, we have successfully used Game Ready products in order to provide pain control, inflammation reduction, and helping your body to heal faster.

Contact us today to learn more about using the Game Ready ice machine for your injury or post-surgical recovery at (212) 888-7372.