The Benefits Of An Ankle Ice Pack
Perhaps moreso than any other body part, it is the ankle that
is most
susceptible to prolonged morbidity (that is, the prevalence or recurrence
of
an injury or pain). Because of this, it is imperative that any
ankle injury
be treated properly so as to minimize the risk of future complications
or
injury. Regardless of the severity of the injury, rest and support
are two
vital components of a successful rehabilitation program. And to
help reduce
swelling and decrease discomfort, an ankle ice pack may be applied
for ten
minutes (no more than twenty) a few times each day.
In fact, ice is an important component of the RICE -- which stands
for Rest,
Ice, Compression, and Elevation -- approach most often used by doctors.
Prolonged cold treatment can cause damage, however, so care should
be taken
not to leave the ice brace on for extended periods of time. That
being said,
the breadth and range of ice pack products available makes caring
for an
injured ankle a not altogether difficult procedure. Reusable ankle
ice packs, as well as ankle ice braces that conform to the shape
of the area and thereby
provide support and cold treatment are available.
Ankle ice packs can be purchased for as little as a few dollars
to in excess
of a $100 and more for advanced cryotherapy devices. One such product,
known
as The Aircast Ankle Cryo/Cuff cold therapy unit, works by circulating
ice-cold water through the ankle brace, thereby offering both cold
and
compression (reduces movement range and thus helps facilitate healing)
treatments to alleviate pain and minimize swelling. That's more
than likely
a little overkill for your average Grade 1 ankle sprain (sprains
are rated
on a scale from 1 to 3, with the latter being the most severe),
but it's an
interesting concept nonetheless.
Ice, Ice, Baby
If you're looking for a mid-range priced hot/cold
ankle joint health pack, the ActiveWrap
is a suitable option. Made of plush material, the ankle wrap offers
compression to specific areas of the foot and ankle while offering
the
benefits of both hot and cold treatment. This latter functionality
is
provided by the three included hot/cold packs (using the freezer
or
microwave) that can be removed or inserted into any position within
the
wrap. Replaceable packs are available. The ActiveWrap is indicated
for acute
sprains, Plantar Fasciitis and Achilles Tendonitis.
Alone, an ice ankle pack is not sufficient to treat the injury,
but it can
aid in the recovery process, at the very least ensuring increased
comfort
during recovery. And of course, thanks to the wonders of the internet
(and a
little work from ourselves, we might humbly add) you can browse
through the
latest and greatest ankle
injury products without having to move from your
chair. Perfect if you've already injured that ankle, no? So take
a look at
the links to the right of this article. You won't be sorry.
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