Heat Therapy vs Cold Therapy for Arthritis is still an ongoing debate in health care. This is because arthritis is a common disease that causes unbearable pain and heat and cold therapy has the potential to reduce pain.
Both of the techniques provide promising results with different benefits. These inexpensive therapies have been used for relieving pain for more than 2 or 3 decades.
Healthcare professionals also recommend these therapies as first aid to treat any injury. Heat and old therapies are so effective that they even provide relief for arthritis pain.
But the question here is which is better for arthritis heat therapy or cold therapy.
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Heat Therapy vs Cold Therapy for Arthritis
Arthritis is a joint disease that is becoming more common every year. There can be numerous reasons behind its increasing cases but the cure is only one, Surgery.
However, arthritis pain can be managed, without surgery. According to the best doctor in Patna for orthopedics and many other health experts, heat and cold therapy are two of the most effective ways to reduce arthritis pain.
This is why people keep comparing these two to know Which is better for arthritis heat or cold. Clod therapies are used to relieve pain instantly as it has the potential to reduce blood circulation.
This numbs the affected body parts and also reduces inflammation and swelling. It also tricks the brain into experiencing less pain by affecting the pain receptors.
Whereas Heat increases blood circulation in the affected area, which improves the recovery process. It does it by expanding the blood vessels which helps the need for oxygen and nutrition to reach the affected area.
This technique is considered good for rapidly coming pain like arthritis. So, Is it best to keep warm with arthritis?
Yes, but health experts suggest people should use both techniques at the same time in an alternate way as it will be more beneficial.
However, if you have decided to use them separately, then you should be aware of the right ways. Let’s start with Heat therapy first.
Ways to Apply Cold Therapy for Arthritis
Do you know what is the fastest way to relieve arthritis pain? It is Cold therapy as it numbs the affected area and alters the pain-receiving function. But it’s important to know the right ways of using this technique for better results:
#1. HomeMade Ice Pack
Applying cold water to the affected area can be a little messy. This is why we suggest you go for a homemade ice pack.
Just put a vegetable bag with some peas and corn in the freezer for some time. Then put it on the affected area to relieve the pain.
#2. Cold Compress
The cold compress technique is the most used way of getting cold therapy. Take a towel and damp it into the water. Then put it into a plastic container and place it in the freezer for 15 minutes.
Now place it into the affected area. This towel will also be able to relieve pain from sensitive areas like eyes.
#3. Coolant Sprays and Creams
Coolant sprays and creams are another inexpensive method to reduce arthritis pain via cold therapy.
It contains soothing coolants like menthol to provide a more relaxing and comfortable experience. Unlike the cold compress technique, it acts fast and removes discomfort in no time.
#4. Ice Massage
Ice massage is also an effective way to relieve arthritis pain from the ease of your home. Take an ice cube and hold its upper side with a towel.
Now massage the affected area slowly in a circulation motion. Remember to use an ice cube of a big size so that it can last for at least 10 minutes.
So these were the 4 ways to use cold therapy for relieving arthritis pain. Now let’s talk about some ways of getting heat therapy while moving ahead in this blog “Heat therapy vs cold therapy for arthritis”
Ways to Apply Heat Therapy for Arthritis
Heat therapies are a great choice for reducing joint stiffness and muscle around them. It also improves the healing process. But like cold therapy, there are also some easy ways to avail its benefits.
#1. Hot water Bottle
Using a Hot water bottle is one of the most common ways to take heat therapy. Just heat some water, pour it into the bottle, and place it in the affected area.
It’s a hassle-free solution for dealing with arthritis as one can use it while relaxing on the couch or even while watching TV.
#2. Hot Bath
Winters are here and most of us will try to avoid the chilly water for bathing. It’s the perfect time of the year to avail the benefit of a hot bath.
This will relax your muscles and reduce joint mobility from all over the body including the after-arthritis area.
#3. Heated Get Pack
Heated gel packs are not like the other methods as they may cost you some money. But it is a more hassle-free technique than previous ones.
You just have to get a pack of heated gel from the pharmacy and heat it in the microwave for some time. It will give you 30 minutes of heat, which is enough to deal with the arthritis joint pain.
#4. Heat Wraps
Heat wraps are something that even a good Orthopedic Doctor in Patna recommends to their patients.
It’s the most convenient way to get the benefits of heat therapy as one can also wear it under their clothes. They provide low-intensity heat but for longer hours.
Apart from these electric heating pads and heated paraffin wax treatment are also good options for taking heat therapy. But be aware because they come with some risks.
Risk Related to Heat and Cold Therapy
Whether it is heat or cold both therapies help deal with arthritis in some ways. But they also come with some risks if not applied properly.
One should not apply heat therapy for more than 20 minutes as it can lead to skin burns and can also increase the risk of infection.
On the other hand, when it comes to cold therapy it can result in tissue or even nerve damage if applied for too long.
Furthermore, one should also consult their doctor before using cold therapy if he or she has an existing cardiovascular issue.
You can also read about >>> Ways to Deal With Chronic Back Pain
Conclusion
While comparing heat therapy vs cold therapy for arthritis we get to know that both the techniques are effective in dealing with the issue.
Health experts suggest using both of them at the same time as it can be more beneficial. However, one should remember both the therapies are just a temporary solution for arthritis.
They can only deal with it permanently because arthritis can only be fixed by going through surgery. This is why if you or any of your family members are suffering from arthritis bring them to us for the betterment of their lives.
