What do I do about inflammation? That's a frequent question for me. I always recommend the "Pittsburgh ice pack" It's really easy to make and is reusable time and time again. It is the coldest of cold packs so I suggest you put a couple of damp paper towels over the area that you are going to ice and put the ice pack on the paper towels. It will help prevent frost bite. This ice pack delivers instant cold so don't use it for more than 20 minutes at a time. It may be repeated every 3 hours.
The recipe is:
16 oz. of rubbing alcohol
32 oz of water
2 cup of sugar
Mix this combination in a sauce pan and heat it until the sugar melts. Let it cool and pour into a gallon sized zip lock bag (I recommend double bagging). Place it in the freezer and it will be ready too use in 24 to 36 hours. Put it back in the freezer after each use and it will provide you with years of use.
When dealing with injury that includes inflammation, use the RICE theory. That is:
Rest
Ice
Compression
Elevation
What about heat? Don't use heat where you have inflammation. It is fine to heat sore, aching muscles to warm them up before exercising or working.
Stay well and use caution when icing. Remember you can get frostbite.
Caution: You may be tempted to mix this concoction with Coke when you are better. Don't do it. It may cause blurred vision.
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