Why does first aid for sprains/strains etc (Rest Ice Compress Elevate) focus on reducing swelling? Doesn’t swelling help with healing?

Question

It’s my understanding that swelling is the body’s way of delivering healing “supplies” to the injured area. Why are we stopping that from occurring?

In: 96

Answer 1

Your body will often over correct while sending those healing supplies to the affected area. With this over correction comes the potential for prolonged and/or excessive swelling, which can lead to long term damage on the muscles and tissue surrounding the joint.