"Whether you're throwing touchdown passes or passing the potato salad, accidents happen. And when they do, you often end up with swelling and inflammation—whether it's that sore shoulder or a twisted ankle. So, why does this happen?
Your body works overtime when you get hurt. Blood vessels near the affected area open wider to increase circulation. That’s why you notice redness around the injury site. Along with the rush of blood comes a surge of proteins, fluids, and white blood cells as your immune system steps in to fight off potential infections. All of this extra blood, fluid, and cellular activity is what causes swelling in the injured area. This inflammatory response helps bring white blood cells, antibodies, and supportive fluids to the damaged tissues, promoting healing but also leading to swelling.
While swelling serves a protective role by cushioning the injury site and preventing further damage, it’s crucial to manage it effectively during recovery. Left untreated, swelling can delay healing, worsen discomfort, and restrict movement. Here’s how you can help your body cope:
First, give your body time to rest. Just like talking with a sore throat requires you to stay quiet, moving an injured part of your body prematurely can make things worse. After a day or two of rest, light movement can actually help reduce swelling and encourage healing.
Next, apply something cold. Cold therapy is a great way to reduce swelling by limiting blood flow to the area and slowing down the breakdown of damaged tissue. Ice packs, cold therapy machines, or even a pack of frozen peas can work wonders. Apply cold therapy several times a day for 15–20 minutes at a time, especially within the first few days of injury. Combining cold therapy with compression can double the benefits.
Compression is another powerful tool. By applying pressure, you can restrict blood flow and reduce swelling. Elastic bandages or specialized cold and compression systems, like the Game Ready machine, provide gentle pressure that removes excess fluid and improves circulation. These systems often come with easy-to-use controls, allowing you to adjust temperature, compression levels, and session duration.
Elevation is equally important. Raising the injured area above the level of your heart reduces blood flow, which can significantly decrease swelling. For leg injuries, keeping your legs elevated while sitting or lying down is essential. Not only does it help with swelling, but it also lowers the risk of developing dangerous blood clots.
Finally, consider over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or aspirin. These nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can temporarily relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Always follow the instructions on the label and consult your doctor if you're unsure about combining these medications with others.
Different injuries require slightly different approaches. For example, addressing swelling in your feet might involve elevating the foot, applying cold therapy, and using compression bandages. Ankle injuries benefit from similar strategies but may also require a brace for additional support. Knee injuries often necessitate cold therapy combined with elastic bandages or braces, along with the use of walking aids like crutches to keep weight off the leg.
For leg injuries, traditional ice packs may not be as effective due to the large surface area. This is where body-conforming wraps from cold therapy systems shine. The Game Ready ATX® Wraps are designed to fit the contours of your body, ensuring maximum coverage and deeper cooling.
Taking charge of your recovery can make a huge difference. By actively managing swelling through elevation, cold therapy, and compression, you can speed up the healing process. To learn more about managing swelling and injury recovery, check out our Complete Injury Recovery Guide or reach out to us to discover how Game Ready can support your healing journey.
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7. CoolSystems. 702916 Rev A Game Ready Control Unit 550550 Design Validation Report.
8. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Mayo Clinic.
9. NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs). Cleveland Clinic.
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11. Sprains. Mayo Clinic.
12. Cronkleton E. Causes of knee tightness, and what you can do. Healthline.
13. CoolSystems. Engineering Test Report ETR 2712 Rev A. Test Report, Thermal Imaging Marketing Comparison feat. Game Ready."
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