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.
Credits
| 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 |
