Ice for a knee injury

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Ice for a knee injury

Ice can relieve pain, swelling, and inflammation from injury to your knee. Apply ice consistently as long as you have symptoms. You can also use a bag of frozen peas, which will conform to the shape of your knee.

Ice the area at least 3 times a day. For the first 72 hours, ice for 10 minutes, once an hour. After that, a good pattern is to ice for 15 to 20 minutes, 3 times a day: in the morning, in the late afternoon after work or school, and about 30 minutes before bedtime. Also, ice after any prolonged activity or vigorous exercise.

Always keep a damp cloth between your skin and the ice, and press firmly against all the curves of the affected area. Do not apply ice for longer than 15 to 20 minutes at a time, and do not fall asleep with the ice on your skin.

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Author	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor	Michele Cronen
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Freddie H. Fu, MD - Orthopedic Surgery
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Patrick J. McMahon, MD - Orthopedics
Last Updated	May 16, 2008

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Last updated:	May 16, 2008
Author:	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH
Reviewed By:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine, Patrick J. McMahon, MD - Orthopedics
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC

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