Use heat and cold to reduce arthritis pain.

• Heat therapy encourages the drawing of blood into the target tissues. Increased blood flow delivers needed oxygen and nutrients, and removes cell wastes. The warmth decreases muscle spasm, relaxes tense muscles, relieves pain, and can increase range of motion. Hot therapy can reduce the pain of arthritis. I have used this therapy on many occasions with great success. This therapy is available in many forms including hot and moist compresses, dry or moist heating pads, hydrotherapy, and commercial chemical/gel packs. Hot packs in any form should always be wrapped in toweling to prevent burns. Punctured commercial hot packs should be immediately discarded, as the chemical agent/gel will burn skin.

• Cold therapy produces vasoconstriction, which slows circulation reducing inflammation, muscle spasm, and pain. Superficial cold is available in many forms including a variety of commercial cold packs, ice cubes, iced towels/compresses, and forms of hydrotherapy. The duration of cold therapy is less than heat therapy; usually less than 15 minutes. The effect of cold is known to last longer than heat. Cold or ice should never to applied directly to the skin. A barrier, such as a toweling, should be placed between the cold agent and the skin's surface to prevent skin and nerve damage. Punctured commercial cold packs should be immediately discarded, as the chemical agent/gel will burn skin.

• In contrast, heat therapy is used to combat older injuries where no swelling is present. Sore, aching, stiff muscles or joints can often benefit from hot packs before exercise. Hot packs (or a hot Spa) increases blood flow in the area of application and increases the elasticity of connective tissues. Warmer, more relaxed muscles and joints will have a better range of motion. This translates into enhanced performance and less likelihood of further injury. Hot substances should never be applied immediately after an athletic activity because it may encourage inflammation.

• The natural anti-inflammatory property of ice can be useful to treat older injuries (often described as "chronic") that are worsened or irritated by using the joint or muscle. For example, a tennis player whose elbow or shoulder throbs after a match may want to ice it after her match. That swollen knee or ankle might really feel much better if an ice pack is applied for about 10 minutes.

Using either hot or cold treatments can reduce the stiffness and pain of arthritis. Cold packs numb the sore area. They are especially good for severe joint pain and swelling caused by a flare (a period during which disease symptoms return or become worse). Heat treatments relax your muscles.

Tips for Hot and Cold Therapy

• Soak in a warm bath, shower, jacuzzi, or whirlpool. Place a heating pad on the painful area. Don't sleep with the heating pad on, because you might burn yourself. Use an electric blanket or mattress pad. Turn it up before you rise, to combat morning stiffness. Use flannel sheets. They feel warmer against your skin. Use a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel to keep your feet, back, or hands warm. Before getting dressed, warm your clothes by placing them on top of the dryer for a few minutes. Place hot packs on the painful area. These are filled bags that are heated in water and covered with a towel. Be careful not to let the pack get too hot. Dip your hands in a paraffin bath. This is a mixture of melted paraffin and mineral oil. The warm coating soothes stiff, painful fingers. Ask your doctor or therapist about this method.

Tips for cold

• Place a cold pack or ice bag on the painful area. You can buy these at the drug store or you can make one by wrapping a towel around a bag of frozen vegetables.

Before and after treatments.

• Your skin should be dry and healthy. Protect the skin over any bone that is close to the surface of your skin. Place extra padding over the area to prevent burning or freezing your skin.

• After using hot or cold: Check the area for any swelling or discoloration. Carefully dry the area. Gently move your joint to reduce stiffness. Allow your skin to return to normal temperature before using another treatment.

Corn Bags are simple to use.
Just place in your microwave for 1 to 3 minutes (depending on your wattage) and you are ready for about 45 minutes of soothing 120 degree heat for all kinds of aches and pains. No cords needed.

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