Contrast baths

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Contrast baths

Contrast baths are used for ankle, foot, or hand problems to help decrease inflammation and pain. They involve dipping the injured limb alternately into cold and hot water.

Starting about 48 hours after an injury, the affected limb is submerged in a bucket of ice-cold water (as cold as can be tolerated) for 30 seconds.
The limb is then moved into a second bucket filled with water that is as warm as can be tolerated, around , for 30 seconds.
The soaks are alternated for a total of about 5 minutes, with the last soak in cold water. Ideally, the baths are repeated 3 times a day.

It is important to end a contrast bath with a soak in cold water to help reduce swelling.

These baths can be continued at least daily for up to 2 weeks; however, if swelling and bruising last this long, a doctor should be consulted.

Credits

Author	Jeannette Curtis
Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated	May 25, 2007

Last updated:	May 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman

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