Does Deep Heat Help a Sprained Ankle?

After an acute injury, ice should be used to minimize swelling for the first two to three days. After this period, heat can be used to increase blood flow and assist the natural healing process. Applying heat too early may cause additional swelling by increasing blood flow to the injury.

Is Deep heat good for sprained ankle?

If your injury is over 48 hours old Deep Heat may be more suitable to help. Deep Heat provides soothing warmth to bruises and sprains that are older than 48 hours old, giving you relief from your minor injury.

What is better for a sprained ankle heat or cold?

Treatment for a Sprained Ankle

So, typically, ice decreases blood flow to an area, which causes less swelling, whereas heat will bring blood flow to an area which can cause more swelling. Usually, in the first two to three days after an injury, we would recommend ice only. You put the ice on for about 10 to 15 minutes.