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.

---

4 Natural Home Remedies to Ease the Pain of Sunburn

At some time or another, we've all experienced the effects... Read More

Tobacco Hypnosis: Cigarettes Are My Friend

Practicing hypnotherapists hear many peculiar statements from smokers who ask... Read More

Stammering Or Stuttering

Stammering or as it is sometimes known as stuttering is... Read More

Oral Chelation ? What Can It Do For You? (Part 2)

Intravenous chelation therapy was more popular than oral chelation initially.... Read More

Using Essential Fatty Acids for Reducing Arthritis Joint Pain

Essential fatty acids provide protection for the whole body. In... Read More

Working with an Intuitive Counselor: Opening the Door to Yourself

"Oh, I've had a psychic reading before. They read some... Read More

Mood Stabilizers & Mood Enhancers - A Remedy to Naturally Boost Mood & Alleviate Depression

Depression and mood disorders are very prevalent mental health issues... Read More

Treat Osteoporosis Naturally

Osteoporosis is a condition that faces every baby boomer; man... Read More

The Origins of Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy, which involves the use of essential oils to treat... Read More

That Popeye Knew a Thing or Two!

For a few weeks the lumps in my throat were... Read More

Hypnotherapy ? Does It Really Work?

Okay, so some of you are familiar with hypnotherapy. You've... Read More

Herbal Remedies to the Rescue!

Since the dawn of civilization, man has always turned to... Read More

Iridology: A Natural Health 101 Article

What It IsIridology is the art of discovering weaknesses in... Read More

Aromatherapy Favorites: Patchouli Essential Oil

Patchouli's History and UsesAh, Patchouli oil - people seem to... Read More

Herbology

Herbology is one of the oldest healthcare sciences known to... Read More

Oops! One Size DOESNT Fit All

The Stop Smoking Hypnosis people.The ancient Greeks certainly had their... Read More

Human Health Modification Using Sun Light and Frequency

Human behavior could be modified using light preferably real sunlight.... Read More

Eucalyptus Pure Essential Oil

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

As The Primary Care Giver for an Alzheimer?s Patient, How Can I Get a Break?

Taking care of a loved one who has Alzheimer's is... Read More

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

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

Suffering from Osteoarthritis? Acupuncture to the Rescue

Keeping in tune with our commitment to providing the latest,... Read More

Bling Therapy - Healing with Gemstones

From jeweled necklaces to ankle bracelets, and all the tops... Read More

Why Detoxify?

Have you been hearing about detoxification more often? That's because... Read More

Alternative Medicine & Herbal Preparations

Alternative medicine is gaining more attention every day. The idea... Read More

Bleeding Gums

Bleeding gums can be one sign of periodontal disease, gingivitis,... Read More

Neuro Emotional Technique

NET or Neuro Emotional Technique is one of the newer... Read More

How to Sense Low Levels of Asbestos in Your Daily Environment. (Part II)

Most people find it difficult to believe that a tiny... Read More

Treat Cold, Flu, and Ear Infection the Natural Way

With or without medication, the cold or the flu can... Read More

Relieving Chronic Pain Through Visualizations: A Three-Part Strategy

The most effective way to use the subconscious for pain... Read More

Toxins Make You Fat and Shorten Your Life

When your body is toxic, toxins hide and embed themselves... Read More

The 7 Best Ways To Use Your Subconscious for Pain Relief

Your subconscious has influence over 7 different factors that could... Read More

Benefits of Human Growth Hormone ? HGH Enhancing Products

Human Growth Hormone has often been referred to as the... Read More

What Is A Holistic Practitioner?

Holistic Practitioners are holistic healing professionals with a gift in... Read More