Does icing an injury treat, prevent, or mask it?

Question

By mask, I mean it kills the pain for a day.

I'm talking about injuries like shin splints, or inflammation.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Helps to treat.  

Answer 2

Several times during the first twenty four hours after the injury, apply ice which will keep swelling at a minimal and ease the pain somewhat. Twenty minutes on twenty minutes off. After twenty four hours, you may try moist heat. Soak a towel with hot water, ring it out and apply to the injured area. Do this until the skin begins to turn slightly red. Do this at least twice a day. If the injury involves the foot and ankle, soak it in very hot water with Epsom Salt added to it. Just follow the directions on the bag. Taking a 600 Mg tablet of Ibuprofen will also help with the swelling and any pain you may develop. Best 6to you sir.  

Answer 3

Ice will both treat and mask an injury.

As for treating, ice reduces the pain, swelling (which can cause further tissue damage) and inflammation.

It masks it by decreasing the swelling, which in turn reduces the pain.  It usually is of most benefit if used immediately after the injury.  However, it is generally most effective only while it is directly on the injured area.

Answer 4

As far as I know it helps any swelling go down and relives some pain

Answer 5

Cold constricts the blood vessels, which prevents blood from rushing to the injured area (which is all that swelling is).  Additionally, ice numbs the area so that pain signals aren't being sent.

Don't use ice directly on your body as it can injure you.  Use ice packs or put the ice inside of a ziploc bag (to prevent water from melting on you) and put the ziploc bag inside of a thin towel and press that against the area.

Answer 6

It treats a symptom/side effect of an injury, it does nothing for the injured tissue.