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Conditions > Osteoarthritis > Osteoarthritis Treatment > Using Heat and Cold for Pain Relief
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Using Heat and Cold for Pain Relief

Two of the simplest, least expensive and most effective methods of pain relief are heat and cold treatments.

Heat treatments, such as heat pads or warm baths, tend to work best for soothing stiff joints and tired muscles. Heat is especially good for getting your body limber and ready for exercise or activity. Cold is best for acute pain, numbing painful areas and decreasing inflammation and swelling.

There are many forms of heat and cold therapy. Experiment with some of the following ideas to find out which ones provide the best pain relief for you.

Heat treatments

•     Take a long, warm shower when you awaken to ease morning stiffness.

     Try using a warm paraffin wax treatment system, available at many drugstores or beauty-supply stores.

•     Soak in a warm bath or whirlpool.

     Buy moist heat pads from the drugstore, or make one at home by putting a wet washcloth in a freezer bag and heating it in the microwave for one minute. Wrap the hot pack in a towel and place it over the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes.

•     To soothe stiff and painful joints in your hands, apply mineral oil to them, put on rubber dish washing gloves, and place your hands in hot tap water for 5 to 10 minutes.

•     Incorporate other warming elements into your daily routines, such as warming your clothes in the dryer before dressing, or using an electric blanket and turning it up for a few minutes before getting out of bed.

Cold treatments

     Apply a bag of ice wrapped in a towel or a gel-filled cold pack from the drugstore to painful areas for about 10 minutes.

•     Wrap a towel around a bag of frozen vegetables and place it on sore joints for pain relief. This type of cold pack easily conforms to your body.

Shujauddin
18 Apr 2012, 14:06
I am suffering from osteoarthritis. My left leg under knee, two bones strikes with noise causing severe pain, unable to walk a single step. After exercising for about 5 to 7 times I can walk with pain and making for home painfully. I use voltran (Diclofenac)50 tablets
which give me relief temporarily.
Can anyone Doctor guide me what to do for remedy?
(Including arthritis Foundation?)
Sophie
01 Feb 2012, 16:41
An easy way to think about whn you should use hot and cold is:
Use HEAT when you feel STIFF (e.g. in the morning)
Use COLD when you are in PAIN (when you have overdone it).

Also try to wrap the whole joint up in the pack. Sometimes 2 are better- so put you knee on one wrapped bag of frozen peas and put another on top with it hanging down the sides. Hot water bottles wrapped in hand towels can be used the same way.
Carol
28 Jan 2012, 16:46
How can I get relief of the pain in my back caused by arthritis.
Dave Heaney
16 Dec 2011, 18:28
I had no trouble with either of my hands up to 2 mths ago they stifffen up during the night and feel like they are swollen to twice their size,all my fingers are painfull
and I cannot make a fist.

The wrists are painfull all the way round is this arthritis?
Mary
13 Dec 2011, 17:27
There are no answers to any questions? What good is this site? It is borderline funny..ask but forget getting an answer!!!
HA, HA!
Lyn Montgomery
07 Dec 2011, 07:18
I have been a medical professional for over 20 years. I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid over 8 years ago and the pain has gotten progressively worse. My hands and wrists were the starting point, now it's all over. There are times (at the beginning of a flair) when ice packs are very helpful.Warmth is soothing especially in the winter. I have been on biologics, anti-inflamatories,and acupuncture. There is no cure!! There is treatment and learning to live with this disease as comfortably as possible. Hope this clears up some questions
nancy
26 Nov 2011, 00:33
For those who are suffering joint pains on lower and upper backs as much as pains on their feet, hand, palms, etc... Try the Eunice Ingham method kind of massage.. It is a hand massage that i've been using for many years now for my lower and upper back and joint pains. Ask the massage parlor near u.
But better if u learn it yourself if u want to really benefit from its wonder!
nancy
26 Nov 2011, 00:22
@maimuna eating beans, meat that has lots of bones like ribs are good examples that causes arthritis to trigger. As much as fishes like sardines, tuna etc.
fay tsai
15 Nov 2011, 20:52
The middle figure of my left hand is painful and couldn't open straight in the morning. The figure is also swelled up near the palm. What can I do to cure it? Thanks
amanda
15 Nov 2011, 03:49
hi my dad has just been diagnosed with osteo he is 75 yrs of age and its affected him badly he is currently on patches for his pain relief and changes them every 3 days but has now started to swell up very bad in his feet and hands stopping him been mobile is there anything we can try has he lives alone and is finding it frustrating and painful ty for ur help
Jennie
13 Nov 2011, 20:13
My finger joints have become more and more swollen and now slowly misshapen. Awakening in the morning they are painful and almost like claws. Find them curled toward my palms and opening them uncomfortable. Any tips for how to control or help during sleeping? I am fortunate to have a hot tub which gives relief when I hold my hands against the hot force of the water but I am wondering about prevention while sleeping? Help!
ora
10 Nov 2011, 09:19
what help is good for lower back
Koksy Etim
05 Nov 2011, 15:40
I have osteoarthritis of the left knee and i have been using heat treatment only and atimes the pains is too much. Is cold treatment better because my knee is atimes inflammed after my aerobics.
Barry Meisel
24 Oct 2011, 13:24
Can you help please. I am suffering with very stiff feet is there any medication I can take to help.
Thank you
Mohammad ABubakar
22 Sep 2011, 00:20
I am experiencing little pains and numbnes on my hand and a little from my waist and lately my right feet ,what kind of artrities is this one and how do I cure it please thank you.
maimuna idris okaku
27 Aug 2011, 02:16
Iam confused as to what kind of arthritis i have. my Doctor told me that i have planter fancitis because i conplain abOUT pain in my foot,my knees and my wrist.when i went back for my next apointment, my doctor travelled so i had to see a diffrent doctor who told me that i have rheumatoid arthritis.are there any foods and drinks that cause arthritis?
rose
28 Jul 2011, 22:00
my hands have just started being painful in the last 2 months. It seems like it happened all of a sudden. I haven't been to the dr. yet. My middle finger has started to lock up though in the last 2 weeks and I just want to see what works for anyone else to help this without meds. It was just in the mornings now its all through the day.
Paula
14 Jul 2011, 09:59
I have been getting cold laser treatment for the osteoarthritis in my knees, and it really has decreased my pain levels. Has there been any research on these treatments.
Sybil Spencer
18 Apr 2011, 00:17
This information very helpful to decide which treatment to use on what pain. I want to reduce my use/dependence on medications. Cold therapy works best for my acute pain associated with COPD, Diabetes and Fibromyalgia. Learning to stop being a workaholic also helps. Rest and relaxation is a learned habit and you must give yourself permission to enjoy both while also being productive at an activity you love.

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