This season, the Chicago Fire Soccer Club is inviting fans to submit their health and injury questions in a new feature, Ask The Team Docs. Team physicians from Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush will provide feedback to select questions.
Below is the first Q&A in the series. Click here to submit your health and injury question for an opportunity to have it answered by a staff physician from Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush!
Patient Question:
I'm always confused about the benefits of hot vs cold treatments. Can you please list a few injuries or instances of discomfort where you would recommend hot vs cold? I often get dinged or pull a muscle while playing rec soccer and I'm sure there are others just like me :-)
Thanks a ton!
Siri
Answer:
The general consensus is that heat is ideal for muscle spasm, such as low back muscle pain. The heat can help relax the muscle. Generally, moist heat is preferred. For most other acute injuries, especially injuries to the tendons or ligaments where there is significant inflammation, heat will actually increase blood flow and swelling and may worsen pain.
For most acute injuries, ice is usually recommended as it can help with swelling and pain. Inflammation is the initial phase of healing and a "necessary evil" - icing helps limit the pain associated with inflammation but shouldn't actually stop the process altogether. Natural ice is recommended, typically for 20 minutes every couple of hours although there are no hard and fast guidelines. Artificial ice (chemical cold packs) can be used in a pinch but always with caution and a barrier between the skin and the pack as they actually get below freezing and may cause skin burns.
Thanks for a great question! Keep an eye out for future Q&As with the team at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush.
