Icing: How much of a good thing can you do?

Hello Dr Blake:

Is it possible to ice too much? I have a sesamoid injury and I am currently icing 4 times a day for 10 minutes and then a contrast bath. But if I ice, say 7 times a day, would this be more effective?

Dr Blake's comment: 

    Thanks for the email. Ice typically cools the area 4 times longer than you use it for. Therefore, 10 minutes of icing means another 40 minutes of anti-inflammatory action. I love the idea of patients controlling the inflammation with icing every two to three hours. You will keep the area cooled off round the clock. The skin and nerves in the area have to be watched for lasting redness or tingling/numbness. If so, start to back off the icing 50% or give yourself 1 day off to regain status quo. Sure hope this helps. Rich 

http://www.drblakeshealingsole.com/2013/02/ice-pack-for-easy-molding-around-foot.html

http://www.drblakeshealingsole.com/2012/05/ice-as-aid-in-athletic-rehabilitation.html

Ice as An Aid in Athletic Rehabilitation: Dr Hal Rosenberg discusses

Dr Hal Rosenberg great discussion on the benefits of ICE over heat. Golden Rule of Foot: When in Doubt, Ice.