Using Heat or Ice to Lessen Pain & Inflammation

If you are like many of us, you may be confused whether you should use heat or cold to treat pain and/or inflammation. Medical experts explain that heat “boosts the flow of blood and nutrients to an area of the body,” and that “cold slows blood flow, reducing swelling and pain.” Thus heat is best for morning stiffness or to warm up muscles before excise. Cold can be used for short-term pain such as a sprain or strain. If you suffer from common ailments such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, back pain, fibromyalgia, or neck pain, doctors say you can treat it with either heat or cold.

Short-term relief can include the use of a gel pack either microwaved or frozen, a heating pad, or something as simple as a bag of frozen vegetable. You can also use a wash cloth held under hot or cold water and wrung out.

Doctors say whether you use heat or cold be sure to wrap a towel around the item to protect your skin. Apply it to the painful area for 15-20 minutes several times each day; however, be sure to let your skin return to its normal color and temperature before applying more heat or ice.

A warm shower or a soak in a warm tub is a good way to ease pain and loosen up muscles and joints; however, if you have heart problems and are over 70, please check with your doctor on whether it is safe for you. After exercise, soothe anyway aches and stiffness with a cool shower.

If you wake up each morning with pain and stiffness, try giving your clothes a few spins in the dryer and putting them on while they are still warm. Another idea is to use a melted paraffin and mineral oil wrap, which is available at most drugstores. Following the instructions, safely melt the mixture and dip the affected body part into the solution several times. Do not try this on skin with cuts or sores.

At MorningStar of Billings, we offer area seniors trusted independent living, assisted living and memory care. Our wide range of services and amenities include among other things a fitness room and a spa bath. While situated in a residential neighborhood that offers spectacular views of the Rockies, our spacious campus is convenient to shopping, medical facilities, restaurants and more. Visit our website for availability and pricing.

MorningStar Senior Living of Billings represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve in order to provide a true home for residents. Please visit our website to learn why we are the first choice of area seniors for independent living and assisted living.