How long should ice be applied at a time to manage an injury?

Ice should typically be applied to an injury for a period not exceeding 20 minutes at a time. This duration is recommended to effectively reduce swelling and numb pain without causing any adverse effects such as frostbite or damage to the skin and underlying tissues. The application of ice constricts blood vessels, which helps minimize inflammation during the critical initial stages of an injury.

After about 20 minutes, the area can begin to warm up, and leaving ice on longer than this may risk tissue damage due to prolonged exposure to cold. It's also effective to allow the area to return to normal temperature and wait a while before reapplying ice, thereby promoting better recovery without compromising skin health. This method follows the R.I.C.E. principle—Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation—which is widely recommended in first aid for the management of acute injuries.