To Ice or not

[udyj]

in 1997 I had my right ACL repaired after many sport related injuries.  I am a 47 yr young mother of two teenage sons.  I gave up soccer but continued to downhil ski, bike, run, weight train, I could not do aerobics. Jan 2007 I tried squash, loved it, my knee hated it and I now have had knee pain for one week.  I have been icing 2 times a day every day and taking 2 ibuprofen 2 times a day, no change.  When does one stop icing?  The knee is not swollen but complains when it has to lift me up stairs or pivoting.  Please advise a rehab plan and anything else you feel may be helpful as I still want to be active. Also when is it good to use heat rather than ice?  Thanks in Advance.

[idesofmarch]

In the first 24 hrs use ice.  Unless there is swelling after 24 hrs then use heat.  You can also alternate ice (then wait for temperature to be normal) then heat visa-versa.  If you find that one feels better in the long run stick to that one. 2 x daily is not enough and advil up to 4 pills max. every 6 hrs. for inflamtion if you stomach tolerates it. To me it sounds like torn cartilage.  You may have to see an orthopedic surgeon if it's no better in 2 weeks. Good luck   wrap it, rest it and raise it up