When to apply heat to an injury
As we already discovered in a previous note in which we answered the question when to apply cold in an injury, both in the professional sports practice and in the routine practice of physical exercise it is totally normal that injuries occur. A blow, a twist, a sprain, a contracture ... and even a muscle and / or joint injury can occur when we run or practice some other physical exercise.
As we explained in the previous article, after a lesion is produced it is common for hemorrhage to occur, which quickly spreads into the tissues, which finally releases a series of substances that trigger the inflammatory process, which then originates the traditional inflammation and pain.
But when we run or walk on our own (that is, not professionally) and suffer a certain sports injury it is common that we have doubts about when to apply cold and when to apply heat on said injury, so it is usual to make mistakes that finally they prevent the correct evolution of the lesion.
When we heat a certain area of our body it tends to cause an increase in blood flow, increasing the flexibility of tissues and an acceleration of metabolism through the process of vasodilation. The result? It exerts a relaxing effect, which is very beneficial on joints and muscles.
Therefore, it is best to apply heat in the injured area after 48 hours after the injury, or in case of chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis, arthritis, neck pain and rheumatic pain.
It is useful, therefore, the application of heat in case of joint stiffness, rheumatism and contractures, but provided that they have passed at least 48 hours after the injury. In those hours the most appropriate is the application of cold.
It is advised to check the area from time to time to avoid burns. In this case, burns should be avoided in patients with diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes. ThemesExercise Sports injuries
