When your skin is cut or wounded, you are at increased risk for infection from bacteria. Your body responds by sending white blood cells to the site of the wound, which destroy bacteria. This produces the symptoms of inflammation, including redness, swelling, and pain.

How do I reduce the swelling of a wound?

You can use ice packs, cold therapy systems, ice baths, or cryotherapy chambers to deliver cold to the affected area. Apply cold several times a day for 20-30 minutes at a time to help keep swelling down, especially in the first several days after an injury.

Does swelling mean healing?

We traditionally use ice, soft tissue massage and elevation to help reduce swelling. But that initial swelling is part of the body's healing response. Warmth is caused by vessels migrating to the site of the injury, and massage can displace the tissues that are trying to heal.