Following an injury, the body's inflammatory reaction kicks off the healing process. To help deal with the damage, the tissues around the injury site are filled with fluid and proteins, circulation rises, and the region becomes warm and tender. The body's normal reaction to an injury is swelling. Although some swelling is unavoidable, it's critical to do everything you can to keep it under control because:
Although it may be tempting to resume normal activities after an injury, it is best to give the injury at least a few days of rest. The suggestions below will go a long way toward alleviating discomfort and reducing swelling. The body's most powerful healing tool is rest.
The quickest way to reduce swelling is to apply an ice pack or a cold compress to the affected area. It works by restricting blood supply to the area and delaying cellular metabolism, which helps to minimize edema. Applying ice to the affected area several times a day for 20 to 30 minutes at a time will help to reduce swelling, especially in the first few days.
By restricting blood flow, direct pressure on an injury helps to minimize swelling. Compression bandages, elastic bandages, and cold compression devices should offer adequate compression without being overly restrictive. Compression can also aid to relieve discomfort by immobilizing the afflicted area.
Elevating an injury immediately after an accident will help to limit blood flow and, as a result, reduce swelling. If you have a leg injury, keep your legs elevated while seated or reclined to prevent excess fluid from collecting. If you have an arm injury, try to elevate the injured arm above your heart by resting it on a table or chair.
Starting 3 days after injury, you may apply a Recovapro massage gun over the area to clear out residual swelling, first gently with the lightest pressure and then gradually go deeper as swelling subsides.
Compression therapy increases blood flow in the legs and improves blood flow to the heart by applying regulated pressure. It also supports your veins and reduces swelling at the same time. The Recovapro Recovery Boot, which will soon be out on the market, is a top choice for this method.
When you have a soft tissue injury, it is critical to avoid the following within the first 48-72 hours after an injury:
You should visit a doctor if your swelling is chronic or lasts more than 2-3 weeks. To reduce swelling, they will be able to prescribe medication, exercise, and treatment. Remember that swelling is the body's reaction to an injury; if the swelling persists, the injury does as well.