Is a hot bath good for sprains?

Although heat is a bad idea right after a sprain or strain, it is highly beneficial for the healing process after the swelling and inflammation has subsided. A hot tub is also relaxing and fun; something you will need after 4 painful days spent in the house using up all the ice cubes in your freezer.
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Can I take a hot bath with sprained ankle?

After a few days, you can soak your ankle in a warm bath with Epsom salt. It's important to apply cold during the first few days after an injury. Epsom salt may help soothe sore muscles and connective tissues, and it may help with joint stiffness. Try adding Epsom salts to a warm or somewhat hot bath 1-2 times per day.
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Is it okay to take a bath if you have sprain?

For the first 2 days after your injury, avoid hot showers, hot tubs, or hot packs. They may increase swelling. Put ice or a cold pack on your foot for 10 to 20 minutes at a time to stop swelling. Try this every 1 to 2 hours for 3 days (when you are awake) or until the swelling goes down.
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Does heat make inflammation worse?

Heat can make inflammation significantly worse. Ice can aggravate symptoms of tightness and stiffness; it can also just make any pain worse when it's unwanted. Both ice and heat are pointless or worse when unwanted: icing when you're already shivering, or heating when you're already sweating.
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What is the best treatment for a sprain?

approach — rest, ice, compression, elevation:
  • Rest. Avoid activities that cause pain, swelling or discomfort. ...
  • Ice. Even if you're seeking medical help, ice the area immediately. ...
  • Compression. To help stop swelling, compress the area with an elastic bandage until the swelling stops. ...
  • Elevation.
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New and Unusual Treatment for Ankle Pain/Sprain (Contrast Baths)



How long a sprain takes to heal?

It may take anywhere from two weeks to heal a minor sprain and anywhere from six to 12 weeks to heal a severe sprain.
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When do you apply heat to a sprain?

During the first 72 hours, heat should be avoided to prevent increased swelling and inflammation. After about 72 hours, heat can be incorporated into treatment to increase blood flow and aid the overall healing process.
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Do sprains get worse before better?

the pain and swelling seem to get worse rather than better over the first 3-4 days (the bruising often gets worse for a week or more before it starts to fade)
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Is hot bath good for injuries?

Soaking regularly in a hot tub can help reduce the risk of injury by loosening tight muscles and improving movement. Tight and stiff muscles can lead to strains or tears, but hot water can help relax the muscles by increasing blood flow to them.
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What helps swelling go down?

Applying an ice-pack or cold compress to an injury is the fastest way to deal with immediate swelling. It helps reduce swelling by restricting blood flow to the area and slowing down cellular metabolism. Cold therapy systems and ice baths are other methods you can use to apply cold to the area.
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Does heat make swelling go down?

Using the ice helps to narrow blood vessels and keeps swelling down. People who often exercise should use ice after working out, not heat. Ice will help reduce any swelling from a grueling workout routine. Heat, on the other hand, can increase swelling and prevent muscles from healing.
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