Cold Therapy Injuries

If a cold therapy device is used for too long, or at too cold of a temperature, it can result in serious injuries. Patients may believe that "more is better," and subject the skin and underlying nerves to very cold temperatures for extended periods of time. Because ice therapy devices can desensitize the area, serious skin and nerve damage can occur.

Injuries from cold therapy can include nerve damage, chronic pain, and visible skin abrasions, such as frost bite. In fact, the Journal of Athletic Training noted several cases of nerve injury in athletes caused by cryotherapy. Symptoms of nerve damage include pain, sensitivity, numbness, tingling or prickling, or a burning sensation in the affected area. Nerve damage can result in pain that endures for months, also known as chronic pain. Permanent nerve damage can result in losing all sense of feeling or touch to the area.

Frost bite is caused when body tissues freeze, resulting in blood vessel contraction, and loss of oxygen to the affected area. Feeling is lost, and the tissue may change color. The tissue can appear waxy or discolored, ranging from shades of yellow to a deep black color. Persons with poor circulation have a higher risk of frost bite, and are particularly susceptible to injury from cold therapy devices.