Yes, pain in the joints is a common problem among older adults. However, in today’s sedentary lifestyle, even the young are not entirely safe from this kind of problem. Pain in the knees or an ache in the elbows can severely reduce your working capacity, while creating anxiety and stress in your mind as to the source of such a problem.
Many people try to use heat or cold therapy to deal with joint pain. Indeed, such a treatment is often prescribed by doctors around the world as a non-interventional approach to reducing the intensity and frequency of pain sensation. But the question remains: which is the better alternative? Let’s find out!
How does heat and cold therapy work?
When you apply a warm cloth on an aching joint, the increased temperature dilates the blood vessels in that region, thus temporarily improving the blood circulation. The heat also helps the muscles to relax while simultaneously reducing pain sensation, thereby helping in gradually regaining range of motion.
When you use an ice-pack, the sudden decrease in temperature in the region constricts blood supply and brings down pain sensation almost instantly by numbing the nerve tissue. The reduced temperature also slows down inflammation.
Heat or cold – which should you use?
In which condition should you apply heat instead of cold therapy? Here is a list of common conditions which cause joint pain:
1. Arthritis: Heat therapy is especially beneficial for people suffering from arthritic pain. The heat helps the muscles and ligaments to relax while improving blood circulation.
2. Gout: Cold therapy in such a condition can reduce the pain sensation in a matter of seconds.
3. Muscle strain or sprain: Immediately after suffering a strain, apply cold therapy on the affected region for at least 15 minutes. This will bring down the pain and reduce swelling or redness. After the pain has become bearable, then you can switch to heat therapy as this will help decrease the stiffness and allow the muscles to relax.
4. Tendinitis: Application of ice brings down the inflammation while giving temporary relief from the pain.
5. Tendinosis: Heat therapy is ideal in this chronic condition as it reduces stiffness while simultaneously helping to resolve the inflammation.
Precautions while using heat or cold therapy
• Make sure the temperature is neither too hot nor too cold, as this can cause skin damage.
• Do not apply directly to the skin. Always wrap the hot or cold item in a cloth or towel.
• If there is any cut or tear on the skin then do not use heat therapy.
• Remember to keep a 30-minute gap between each session. Do not apply the hot or cold compress continuously for more than 15 minutes.
By Dr. Shabtab Khalid
Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution
Note: Through the synergistic combination of Classical Homoeopathy, Ayurvedic-Unani Formulations and Internationally Acclaimed Advanced Physiotherapy, Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution aims to eradicate joint pain, counter the process of degeneration and promote bone health. The protocol is at once scientific, effective as well as safe. To avail treatment at Zilaxo, call on 1800 419 6607 (Toll free) or WhatsApp at +91 98304 26607.
www.zilaxo.org
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