Ice vs. heat for a new injury??  Ice is the way to go for a new injury.  Not only does ice help with swelling and inflammation, but it also helps to block the pain signals traveling along the nerves in the injured area.  This typically results in diminished pain following ice application.  Frozen vegetables work well, as they can be wrapped around the injured area.  Heat should be avoided after a new injury because it causes the blood vessels to dilate/open up, which can result in additional swelling (and often an increase in pain.)  Certain people may need to avoid ice, however, such as those with poor circulation, vasculitis, and some people with diabetes and/or neuropathy.