Does Ice Help Tendonitis?

Tenonitis is a disease that significantly affects an individual's daily life and activity abilities. Pain and swelling can limit the range of joint movement, making daily activities such as typing, weightlifting, walking, or running difficult. Persistent pain may affect sleep quality, which in turn can affect mood and overall health. 

To alleviate these symptoms and get back to a normal life, you can apply some home treatment methods, such as ice packs. However, patients often question, “Does ice help tendonitis?" Let’s find out the answer in detail below.

 

Does Ice Help Tendonitis?

To get the answer to “Does ice help tendonitis?” you should know the principle of using the ice compress. The basic principle of the ice compress is that it can promote vasoconstriction and reduce the blood flow to the injured areas, thus reducing inflammation and pain. Low temperatures can slow down cell activity, reduce metabolic rate, and help control swelling.

Ice compresses are simple to operate and easy to implement at home, providing a convenient initial treatment method for patients with tendinitis.

 

Correct Methods of Ice Therapy

Now that you know the working principle of ice for tendonitis, you’ll be excited to apply this home treatment. But it’s not as simple as it sounds.

In fact, many people don’t even know the correct method of applying ice to affected areas. Here are some tips for appropriate ice treatment:

1. Prepare Ice Therapy Materials

Firstly, prepare some ice cubes or purchase specialized ice packs. If there is no ice pack, you can put the ice into a bag and ensure that the bag is not damaged. Prepare a towel to separate the ice and avoid direct contact with the skin.

2. Apply Ice to the Injured Area

The next step is to apply ice to the injured areas. Before applying, place a thin towel or cloth between the ice cubes and the skin to prevent frostbite.

3. Time for Ice Therapy

When applying ice to the affected area, don’t overdo it. Placing ice packs too long on the skin can cause tissue damage. You might question, “How long to ice tendonitis?" An ideal way is to apply for about 15–20 minutes at a time.  

4. Frequency of Ice Therapy

The answer to “Does ice help tendonitis?” also lies in the frequency of ice therapy. You can apply it multiple times a day, especially during the first 24 hours of injury. Healthcare experts recommend applying the ice after every 2 hours for best results.

5. Observe the Situation

Once you’re done with the ice therapy, don’t forget to monitor the affected area continuously. Check for signs of frostbite or numbness. If you feel severe pain or irritation, remove the ice immediately and consult a healthcare professional.

 

When to Use Ice Therapy?

Besides knowing the correct method, you should also learn when to use ice therapy. It is not an all-time, everyday treatment and works for specific conditions.

For instance, you can apply it for mild tendonitis or to reduce initial pain immediately after the injury. Enlisted below are some situations where ice treatment can be helpful:

1. Pain and Swelling after Acute Injury

Tendonitis injuries are often acute, resulting from a sudden breakdown or damage to the tendon. This can be due to repetitive activities such as gardening or playing sports. In these acute or short-term situations, you can apply ice to alleviate pain and swelling.

2. Muscle Soreness after Exercise

High-intensity workouts or strength training exercises often cause muscle soreness, especially in athletes or fitness enthusiasts. Ice packs are advised to reduce muscle stiffness and aches, as they can minimize swelling and soothe sore muscles.

3. Recovery Period After Surgery

Tendonitis or complete tears of the tendons need repair surgery to resume everyday activities. During the recovery stage after a surgical operation, you can use ice to prevent swelling and reduce pain.

4. Any Pain and Swelling Around the Tendons

If you’re doing a job that requires continuous movement or repeated motion, you’ll have a greater chance of tendon injuries. Sports or repetitive tasks can put a strain on your tendons, causing pain or swelling.
To get rid of this pain, you can use ice, as it will numb the affected area, giving you an answer to “Is ice good for tendonitis?”

 

Common Mistakes in Ice Therapy for Tendonitis

Once you know “Does ice help tendonitis?” the next challenge is to avoid mistakes in ice therapy. Although it seems easy, many people find it unhelpful when doing ice therapy. Here are some common mistakes made by patients when using ice treatment:

1. Apply Ice for Too Long

Some people may think that the longer the ice therapy time, the better the effect, but in reality, prolonged ice therapy time may cause skin damage or frostbite. The recommended period is usually 15 to 20 minutes to ensure safety and effectiveness.

2. Icing Frequently

Another similar mistake made in ice therapy is the frequent use of ice packs. A majority of people apply ice multiple times and, in return, can develop allergic reactions.
Healthcare professionals recommend using ice every 2 hours after the initial 48 hours of injury. Then, limit the use and apply only when necessary.

3. No Protection after Ice Therapy

The answer to “Does ice help tendonitis?” significantly lies in how you deal with the ice therapy method. After ice therapy, the skin and tissues are in a cold state, and unprotected exposure to cold environments should be avoided to avoid exacerbating cold damage.
At the same time, pay attention to keeping the injured area warm, and clothing or protective braces can be used for appropriate protection.

 

Comparing Ice and Hot Therapy

Besides ice therapy, hot therapy is also widely used to treat pain and reduce swelling. Applying heat packs increases blood flow, which alternatively promotes the healing of the tendon.

Therefore, it is better to choose heat or ice tendonitis as a one-time treatment method. Here are some key factors that help you select between ice and hot therapy:

• Cause of injury
• Stage of injury
• Severity of symptoms

For instance, if you have chronic tendonitis pain, it is better to use heat as an effective home treatment. Similarly, for mild or immediate relief after exercise, surgery, or acute injury, using ice therapy is recommended.

 

Other Methods for Relieving Tendonitis

Tendonitis is a common health disorder that can range from mild to severe symptoms. Whatever the stage of the injury is, you should take immediate steps to relieve pain and get rid of tendonitis. Apart from heat and ice therapy, there are some other treatment methods, such as proper massage, rest, or wearing braces.
According to experts, wearing protective braces, such as wrist braces for tendonitis, is a practical way to reduce pain. These braces are designed to improve blood circulation and reduce swelling around the affected areas. When it comes to choosing the best wrist braces, Fivali comes to your aid.

With premium-quality material, our wrist braces provide the maximum support for your acute or chronic injuries. Our specialized wrist braces provide the utmost comfort and are highly adjustable, so you can wear them anytime, anywhere.

Inflammation of the tendon can happen to any body part and can cause discomfort, pain, or swelling. If left untreated, it may lead to chronic injury, and you’ll need surgery to get back to your everyday activities. Therefore, people often wonder, “Can ice help tendonitis?” and use ice therapy as an immediate home treatment method.
For additional support and maximum protection, Fivali wrist braces act as a helpful treatment product to reduce pain and get you in recovery mode. Visit our website to explore various solutions!