• Apply a hot or cold pack to inflamed joints. Although heat can theoretically make inflammation worse, because it tends to increase blood flow and nerve sensitivity, some people find a warm pack soothing and pain relieving. Others get benefit from cold, which decreases blood flow to the inflamed area and lessens inflammation and muscle spasm. You can buy hot and cold packs from a drugstore, or you can use a hot water bottle or a pack of frozen vegetables (wrap a towel around the pack first). If you find that heat helps, try these warming techniques.
• Practice relaxation or mind-diversion techniques. These techniques work best when you do them on a regular basis. Even though relaxation may not directly reduce your pain, it can minimize stress, which has been shown to make pain worse. Try this simple muscle relaxation technique.
From Good Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis (Arthritis Foundation, 2006).
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