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How Long Should You Ice An Injury

by Laura Inverarity, D.O.
for About.com

Updated February 12, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Question: How Long Should You Ice An Injury
After injuring my ankle, how long should I leave an ice pack on it?
Answer: Ice should be applied to an acute (newly sustained) for only 20 minutes at a time. Any longer than this could result in tissue damage to the skin by frost bite or lack of blood flow.

It is ok however to repeat the icing process several times per day.

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