Is Heat or Ice Better for Arthritis Pain?

You probably know that applying heat or ice to a painful joint can help relieve pain, but have questions about these simple techniques. Which one? Why? How often? How long?

The only time you must choose "ice" is during the first 48 hours after a sudden injury or surgery. Cooling the area causes the nearby blood vessels to constrict; there is less swelling, so there is less pain. Heat opens up the area's blood vessels, improving the flow. Increased circulation brings oxygen and healing elements to the scene, while flushing away wastes: in with the good, out with the bad.

Use your ice/heat pack as often as you'd like; at least three times a day. Heat before activity warms up the joints, and ice afterward cools the inflammation from the friction in arthritic joints. Most packs can be frozen or heated; buy two. Keep one in the freezer, pop one in the microwave when you need it.

When trying to find relief from your daily arthritis pain, you can't go wrong by experimenting here! Choose a large ice/heat pack that is pliable enough to cover and conform to your painful joint. Try it for 20 minutes (check your skin every 5 minutes!) If you feel better, then you've made the right choice! If not, try the other.

Take notes on what works. Make good use of low-tech, low-cost, low-risk, common-sense health habits that pay off in many ways!

Want to learn more? Visit www.knowyourbones.com to order "Making Sense of Arthritis Medicine: Manage Your Symptoms Safely" and discover relief that's right for you!

About The Author

Stephanie E. Siegrist, MD is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon in her 10th year of practice, and author of "Making Sense of Arthritis Medicine." She's one of only 3% of U.S. orthopedic surgeons who are women! Dr. Siegrist strives to bridge the gaps that exist in today's doctor-patient relationship with "Information Therapy!" Complete information about Dr. Siegrist, and the book, are available from her website www.knowyourbones.com.

---

Is Shiatsu Massage the Ultimate Stress Relief Treatment?

My first shiatsu massageI opened my eyes suddenly. He was... Read More

Eucalyptus Pure Essential Oil

Eucalyptus pure essential oil is obtained from the leaves and... Read More

Purchasing Essential Oil

Tips on Purchasing Essential OilsIt is important to purchase your... Read More

Liver Spring Cleansing

The liver is the second largest organ in the body... Read More

Limitations You Should Know About When Using the Subconscious For Pain Relief

As powerful as the subconscious can be in relieving pain,... Read More

Health Benefits of Tea

Tea: It Does the Body GoodStudies that support the health... Read More

The Macrobiotic Approach To Health And Wellness

It may be an ordinary dance studio during the week,... Read More

Migraine and Feverfew

Many people today will tell you that they suffer from... Read More

Improving Your Body Immune System

The immune system in your body is an amazing functionality... Read More

Why Do So Many People Seem To Have Allergies?

Allergies and asthma arise from loss of the body's natural... Read More

Gratitude

Here's a quick question: You've got a bad cold. Do... Read More

What are the Best Roles for Western and Alternative Medicine?

I think it's very confusing for patients to decide what... Read More

Superb Skin Disorder Relief found in Common Diaper Rash Ointment

"Accidental" discoveries are made each day. Common substances can sometimes... Read More

Holistic Methods: Hemp Seed Oil and Aromatherapy in Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Aromatherapy is a well known holistic method for healing, but... Read More

Natural Remedies for Eliminating Warts Quickly & Safely!

Warts are a type of infection caused by virus called... Read More

How To Cure Your Incurable Nasal Allergy

Immunoglobulin E is an antibody, which is secreted from the... Read More

Evolution of Aromatherapy

The Origin of AromatherapySince the beginning ? from the time... Read More

Your Home is a Toxic Waste Dump!

Did you know that the household and beauty products that... Read More

Pain Anatomy 101: How Pain Works, And How Your Subconscious May Be Able to Short-Circuit It

In building a strategy for pain relief it may be... Read More

Homeopathy ? Five Things to Know before You ?Go There?

With natural health care so popular, an area that has... Read More

Herbal Medicine: An Ounce Of Prevention

In recent years the issue of Alternative Healing has taken... Read More

Benefits of Wheatgrass Juice - What, How, and Why!

Since the late 1960's, wheatgrass has become frequently discussed in... Read More

Bodily Attributes!

The revolution is indeed underway. Money married to desire, imagination... Read More

Detoxification and Your Health: The Bodies 7 Channels of Elimination!

If you want to be healthy you need to understand... Read More

Quit Smoking Through Hypnosis

You have seen and heard the warnings. You know what... Read More

Using Hypnotherapy to Beat IBS

Hypnotherapy is one of the best known and most widely... Read More

Naturopathy

Naturopathy is a holistic therapy that relies on natural remedies.... Read More

Improve Your Eating Habits To Save Money On Prescriptions!

Do you like the arthritis pain relief you get from... Read More

Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree Oil is one of the most useful products... Read More

Homeopathy

Homeopathy is a form of alternative medicine used for over... Read More

Migraines Are The Great Equalizers

Migraine headaches must be one of the great equalizers that... Read More

Treating Arthritis- Naturally

There are actually three common types of arthritis. These are... Read More

Health Benefits of Green Tea

For over 3000 years, the Chinese have been using green... Read More