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How to apply an ice pack An ice pack or gel pack is an basically a portable plastic bag filled with ice, refrigerant gel or liquid. Ice packs are often used for injuries, like ankle sprains, and minimize swelling around the injury, reducing bleeding into the tissues and reduce muscle spasm and pain.
It reduces body temperature, which decreases cell metabolism in the area surrounding the injury. When we apply ice packs it reduces the inflammation by decreasing blood flow. You can simply buy an ice pack from the grocery store and apply it at your knee for 15–20 minutes.
There is a range of ice packs you can use. Dry ice packs, Reusable Dry ice packs, Disposable Dry ice packs, and gel ice packs are some of the ice packs that are famously being used these days. Ice packs are easily available in the market but you can make ice packs at home as well.
You should always be careful while using the ice pack. There is a certain rule which says we should not use ice packs more than 15–20 minutes at a particular spot. If you are using it more then 20 min this could result in tissue damage and skin burn.
Here are a few steps which can be useful if you are using an ice pack for the very first time. (1) Fill your bag with crushed ice. (2) Wrap the ice pack in a towel or in other cloth to avoid direct contact of skin with the ice as it can cause injury.
(3) Put the ice over the injured area for 15 to 20 minutes or as long as directed. (4) Check your skin if its changing color even a slight redness is there remove it. (5) The redness or numbness in the skin indicates that the ice pack needs to be removed.
The ice pack will help you to reduce pain and swelling. If you still feel that pain has not gone and there is a need to use an ice pack. you can use ice packs every 15 to 20 minutes at several times in day/night.
