Why is reducing swelling important?
There are some who say, “swelling is the greatest enemy of healing.” Early treatment for any acute sprain or injury is to limit painful swelling that occurs with inflammation. Holding off swelling altogether or at least reducing it may also improve joint function.
Does swelling prevent healing?
The excess fluid produced by the body helps protect damaged tissues from further injury. Although a certain amount of swelling is unavoidable, it’s important to do what you can to help control the process for these important reasons: Too much swelling may slow down healing.
What is the purpose of inflammation after injury?
The inflammatory response is a defense mechanism that evolved in higher organisms to protect them from infection and injury. Its purpose is to localize and eliminate the injurious agent and to remove damaged tissue components so that the body can begin to heal.
Which is better for reducing swelling of an injury?
Ice is an excellent anti-inflammatory, reducing swelling and pain. For best results, apply an ice pack for 10 to 15 minutes as soon as possible after an injury. Repeat the ice treatment each hour for the first four hours, then four times a day for the next two to three days.
Why is it important to elevate an injury?
To help reduce swelling and pain in limb injuries, elevation is very important. In fact, it helps drain the excess fluid from the site of your injury, and this may reduce pain and speed up healing. In order to get the best results from elevation, you should raise the limb above the level of your heart.
Why does raising an injury help?
Elevating an injury above the level of your heart will helping minimize swelling by allowing fluid to drain away from the area. If you can’t raise it above your heart, try to keep the injured area at the same level as your heart or close to it.
What is purpose of inflammation?
Inflammation is the immune system’s response to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens, damaged cells, toxic compounds, or irradiation [1], and acts by removing injurious stimuli and initiating the healing process [2]. Inflammation is therefore a defense mechanism that is vital to health [3].
Why inflammation is necessary for tissue healing?
In other words, inflammation is a direct result of your body’s natural healing mechanisms. The swelling you experience means that your body has sent all of the necessary stem cells, blood, plasma, fluid, and proteins to the area to fight the invading injury and begin the healing process from within.
How do sports reduce swelling?
Ice – apply an ice pack to the affected area for 15-20 minutes every two to three hours. A bag of frozen peas, or similar, will work well. Wrap the ice pack in a towel so that it doesn’t directly touch your skin and cause an ice burn. Compression – use elastic compression bandages during the day to limit swelling.