Keep a few homemade ice packs on hand for bruises, sprains and other injuries. Apply ice immediately to reduce pain, swelling, internal bleeding, muscle spasms and inflammation, holding it in place for 20 minutes, according to Aurora Health Care. Continue ice applications every hour while awake for the first 72 hours. Protect your skin with a small towel before applying the ice pack and wrap with an elastic bandage to hold the pack in place.
Step 1
Fill a sealable plastic bag with ice cubes. Seal it tightly and place it on the affected body part.
Step 2
Place a wet washcloth in a sealable plastic bag in the freezer for at least one hour before placing it on the affected area.
Step 3
Mix one part rubbing alcohol with two parts water in a sealable plastic bag. Freeze for 4 to 6 hours before use, suggests Education.com. The alcohol prevents the water from freezing solid, so the packs will conform to body parts.
Step 4
Apply a bag of frozen vegetables to the affected body part if you need an ice pack in a hurry. Frozen vegetable packages are more flexible than solid ice, so they will conform well to ankles, knees and wrists.
Step 5
Wring excess water from a wet towel and place it flat on a counter or other surface. Spread crushed ice on the towel, then roll or fold the towel to keep the ice inside before applying to the affected body part.
Step 6
Fill a paper cup with water and place it in the freezer. When the water is partially frozen, insert a popsicle stick or plastic spoon into the middle and continue freezing. When the ice is hard, peel the paper off and rub the ice on the affected area until the skin is numb, suggests the American Cancer Society.
Tips and Warnings
- Make several ice packs at a time so you have them on hand. Ice therapy feels uncomfortable at first, but should not cause pain. When the area turns numb, remove the ice pack, according to the American Cancer Society. Use a disposable glove instead of a plastic bag for smaller ice packs.
- Stop the ice application if you begin to shiver or if the cold causes pain, according to the American Cancer Society. Do not place ice on an area that is numb or has poor circulation, or directly over burned or broken skin.
Things You'll Need
- Plastic bag, sealable
- Towels
- Water
- Rubbing alcohol
- Washcloths
- Ice cubes
- Elastic bandage
