Managing Arthritis Pain.

Figure 1 - Contrast baths can help reduce joint pain

Heat and cold

Hot and cold treatments

Using either heat 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. You can use dry heat methods, such as a heating pad or heat lamp, or moist heat methods, such as a bath or hydrocollator pack.

Tips for heat

• 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.
• Use a combination of heat and cold. This is called a contrast bath (see figure 1). Soak your hand or foot in warm water, then cold water, then warm water again.

Tips for cold

Before and after treatments

Before using heat or cold:

• 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 heat 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.

Use heat or cold safely

Do:

• Use either heat or cold for only 15-20 minutes at a time. Let your skin return to its normal temperature before using another application.
• Always put a towel between your skin and any type of pack.
• Always follow the advice of your physical therapist or doctor carefully when using these methods, specially heat.
• Check your skin before and after using heat or cold.
• Use milder temperatures for a child's skin, because it is more sensitive than an adult's skin.

Don't:

• Do not use either heat or cold if you have open cuts or sores.
• Do not use cold packs if you have poor circulation or vasculitis.
• Do not use heat that is too hot or cold that is too cold. It is normal for your skin to appear pink after using a hot or cold pack. If an area appears dark red or spotty red and white, there may be some skin damage. Blisters also appear if the pack was too hot or too cold.
• Do not use creams, heat rubs, or lotions on your skin while using a hot or cold treatment.
• Do not make your bath or shower water too hot. This may cause dizziness or fatigue.

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