Heat or ice for arthritis pain: Nowadays many people have to face the problem of Arthritis. Earlier, the old people had to face this problem, but now the youth are also facing it. Arthritis causes joint pain, stiffness and inflammation. People often use ice packs and heating pads to relieve the pain of arthritis. But from which of these two can cure the pain of Arthritis.
Difference between heat and cold therapy
Both heat and cold therapy can help reduce symptoms of arthritis. Both these therapy helps in curing pain and inflammation by focusing different aspects. Heat therapy helps in reducing chronic stiffness. The heat improves the flow of blood at the painful area which helps to relax the surrounding muscles and to loosen the joints.
On the other hand, cold therapy is considered beneficial to reduce inflammation. Ice helps reduce the inflammation by slowing down the flow of blood in the pain area. Ice serves as a numbling agent and relieves pain.
When to use heat and istherapy in the pain of arthritis
If there is stiffness in your joints, then using ice therapy for heat and inflammation is considered beneficial. If you are facing a lot of inflammation, then ice therapy is most beneficial for this. It reduces inflammation in the joints.
Keep these things in mind
While using heat and cold therapy, take care of one thing not to apply it on direct skin. Always keep the ice pack wrapped in towels and if your skin becomes very red or numb then remove it. Heat therapy should not be done more than 15-20 minutes.