According to the traditional decreased blood flow theory, what effect does cold have on swelling?

According to the traditional decreased blood flow theory, what effect does cold have on swelling?

• A. Cold increases swelling
• B. Cold limits swelling by decreasing bloodflow
• C. Cold has no effect on swelling
• D. Cold reduces pain only

Answer: (B)

Cold causes vasoconstriction of the blood vessels in the injured area, which lowers blood flow. In the traditional decreased blood flow theory, this reduced flow decreases capillary hydrostatic pressure and the amount of fluid that leaks into the tissue, so swelling is limited. So, the application of cold helps to diminish edema by reducing blood flow to the area. While cold can also numb tissue and lessen pain, that effect is separate from the swelling mechanism described here.

Cold causes vasoconstriction of the blood vessels in the injured area, which lowers blood flow. In the traditional decreased blood flow theory, this reduced flow decreases capillary hydrostatic pressure and the amount of fluid that leaks into the tissue, so swelling is limited. So, the application of cold helps to diminish edema by reducing blood flow to the area. While cold can also numb tissue and lessen pain, that effect is separate from the swelling mechanism described here.