The Effect of Soft Tissue Injury Cold Application Duration on Symptoms, Edema, Joint Mobility, and Patient Satisfaction: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of cold application time on symptoms, edema, and patient satisfaction in soft tissue injuries.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 105 patients who were treated with cold applications of different durations (10, 20, and 30 minutes). Interview-assisted data were collected on symptoms and patient satisfaction. Edema and range of motion were objectively measured in patients with an ankle injury. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance.

Results: Pain reduction was greatest in the 20 minutes of cold application group (F = 46.35, P < 0.05). Symptoms of discomfort such as tingling (F = 65.93, P < 0.05), redness (F = 61.95, P < 0.05), itching (F = 36.49, P < 0.05), numbness (F = 57.94, P < 0.05), and burning (F = 55.40, P < 0.05) were more frequent in the group with 30 minutes of cold application. Both joint mobility (F = 45.28, P < 0.05) and patient satisfaction (F = 130.99, P < 0.05) were the highest in the group with 20 minutes of cold application.

Discussion: Our findings suggest that a duration of 20 minutes for cold application for a soft tissue ankle injury is recommended to maximize pain control, joint mobility, and patient satisfaction while decreasing other symptoms of discomfort.

Keywords: Cryotherapy; Edema; Pain; Patient satisfaction.