Why do athletes ice injuries?
Show answer & explanation
Answer: Reduces swelling and inflammation
Reduces swelling and inflammation ✓ — Correct! Cold therapy (cryotherapy)! Ice application causes vasoconstriction—blood vessels narrow. Benefits: (1) Reduces blood flow to injured area—limits swelling/edema. (2) Decreases inflammation—less secondary tissue damage. (3) Slows cellular metabolism—reduces oxygen demand, prevents cell death. (4) Numbs nerve endings—pain relief. RICE protocol: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. Apply ice 15-20 min intervals first 48-72 hours. Don't apply directly (use towel)—prevents frostbite. After initial period, heat promotes healing!
Ice speeds tissue healing — Wrong. Ice doesn't speed healing—it slows metabolism to prevent further damage. After inflammation phase, heat promotes blood flow for healing.
Cold prevents infection — Wrong. Ice doesn't prevent infection. It reduces inflammation and swelling by constricting blood vessels, limiting secondary tissue damage.