Cold compresses, which can be in the form of a cloth dipped in cold water or pre-made pads that are cooled by freezing or chemical reactions, are used to reduce swelling and pain in the injured body part. These compresses are essential for treating minor tendon injuries, and knowing how to use them is essential for first aid.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Checking for Injuries
Step 1. Examine the injury before deciding on a course of action
Cold compresses can be used to relieve a variety of minor injuries, which generally do not require further medical attention. However, some types of injuries, such as fractures, sprains, and concussions, should be treated by a doctor as soon as possible. If you are unsure, visit the ER for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Step 2. Check for fractures
Fractures are a medical emergency that must be treated immediately. You can apply a cold compress to a broken bone to reduce swelling and pain, but make sure you only use it while waiting for medical attention, not to replace the procedure. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call 112 or the nearest ER:
- Deformed body parts. For example, a pronounced curvature of the forearm indicates a fracture of the hand.
- Severe pain that gets worse when the affected body part is moved or under pressure.
- Difficulty moving the injured body part. Generally, the area under the broken bone will be difficult or immobile. A broken leg will be difficult to move.
- Bone protruding from the skin, in the case of a serious fracture.
Step 3. Check for the presence of dislocations
Dislocation is the displacement of one or both bones that are interconnected. Like a broken bone, a dislocation is also a medical condition that needs to be treated right away, and you can use a cold compress to relieve the pain. If you experience any of the following symptoms, do not move the injured limb, apply a cold compress, and seek medical attention:
- Joints that look damaged/bent.
- Swelling/bruising near the joint.
- Pain
- Difficulty moving the limb under the injured joint.
Step 4. Check if the head is concussed
Although cold compresses are often used to relieve pain from lumps and head injuries, make sure you don't have a concussion. A concussion is a serious condition that must be treated medically. You'll have a hard time checking for concussion symptoms yourself, so ask someone else to check for the following symptoms. If you or someone else notices symptoms of a concussion, call your doctor.
- Loss of consciousness. No matter how brief the incident, loss of consciousness could be a sign that your injury is serious. If you lose consciousness, seek medical help.
- Severe headache.
- Feeling confused and dizzy.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Ringing in the ears.
- Difficulty speaking.
Step 5. Choose between cold and hot compresses
After knowing the type of injury and making sure that no medical treatment is needed, choose the type of compress. For minor injuries, many people have difficulty choosing between cold and hot compresses. Both compresses can be used in different situations.
- Apply ice directly immediately after injury. Generally, for up to 48 hours after the event, ice is the best treatment for the injury because it will reduce swelling, pain, and bruising.
- Use a hot compress to treat muscle pain that isn't caused by an injury, or warm up your muscles before strenuous activity and exercise.
Method 2 of 2: Using a Cold Compress
Step 1. Choose a cold compress from several available options
You can make your own cold compress, or buy one at the drugstore. Although each type of compress has advantages and disadvantages, in principle all compresses work by cooling the injury and preventing swelling.
- The gel-based cold compress will stay cool when placed in the freezer. Generally, gel packs will be cooler than other compresses because they are placed in the freezer, and can be used over and over again. Therefore, this compress is suitable for those of you who are frugal. However, gel packs cannot be used outdoors, as they will heat up when they are removed from the cooler.
- Instant cold compresses contain two types of chemicals separated by plastic. When pressed, the plastic will break, so the chemicals will react and the compress will cool down. Unlike gel compresses, instant compresses can be used anywhere, as long as the chemicals have not reacted, so they are suitable for use during exercise. Unfortunately, instant compresses can only be used once.
- Homemade cold compresses are made by placing a block of ice in a large plastic bag, adding water until the ice is covered, then removing the air in the plastic and sealing it. These compresses are great for when you don't have a ready-to-buy pack, but they don't last long and can wet the skin due to the condensation effect.
- Towel compresses, which are made by dipping a towel in water, wringing it out, placing it in plastic, and placing it in the freezer for 15 minutes, can also be tried as an alternative. Unfortunately, towel compresses don't last very long either, so you'll have to put them back in the freezer often.
Step 2. Elevate the injured limb to help improve blood flow and prevent swelling
Instead, raise the limb above the heart. For example, if you injured your wrist, lie down and raise your arms as high as you can.
Step 3. Cover the compress with a towel
If the compress hits the skin directly, you will experience frostbite (frostbite). Make sure the compress is always in the towel as long as you wear it.
Step 4. Place the compress on the injured area, and press to make sure the compress covers the entire injured area
If necessary, attach the compress with a removable tape, or tie the compress loosely. Make sure the bond is not too tight to avoid blocking circulation. If the injured area turns blue/purple, the tie is too strong and needs to be removed. Remember that tingling doesn't always mean the compression is too strong. The tingling can be caused by an injury that you have experienced
Step 5. After 15-20 minutes, remove the compress to prevent frostbite
Fight drowsiness when using a compress, because if you fall asleep while using the compress and leave it on for hours, your skin can be damaged. Set an alarm, or have someone remind you to remove the compress after 20 minutes.
- If you use a chemical compress, throw it away after use. Check if the compress can be simply thrown away, or must be disposed of in some way.
- If you are using a towel or gel pack, place the compress in the freezer to cool it back down.
Step 6. Repeat therapy after two hours
Make sure the compressed area is no longer numb. If the area is still numb, wait a while before putting the compress back on. Repeat the cycle of 20 minutes of compresses - 2 hours off for 3 days, or until swelling is gone.
Step 7. If your condition does not improve after compressing the injured body part for 3 days, contact your doctor
You may have a fracture or hidden dislocation. Visit a doctor for a checkup and find any unknown injuries.
Tips
Even if the headache doesn't cause swelling, a cold compress on the forehead, near the sinuses, or neck can relieve the pain
Warning
- Do not cool the chemical compress before activating it, as the compress may become too cold to use.
- Seek medical help for severe medical conditions before self-medicating. If you suspect a broken bone or dislocation, contact your doctor.
