Have a look at this link.
http://www.rsdhope.org/Showpage.asp?...3&PGCT_ID=1910
Although the information is dated from a doctor now retired it makes sense to me. I could never could stand ice, made my pain much much worse despite being sternly lectured by my orthopedic surgeon about how bad a patient I was for non-compliance to his instructions about icing my foot.
When something like ice makes my skin turn purple, shiny and swollen I listen to my body, not the doctor.
MsL