Heat Or Cold – Which Is Better For Your Joint Pain?

If you think that joint pain affects only the elderly, you are wrong!

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

You Can Protect Your Joints From Rheumatoid Arthritis - Find Out How!

No one is safe from Rheumatoid Arthritis. This problem arises out of an adverse immune reaction, resulting in intense inflammation in and around the small joints. Both the young and the elderly are at risk from this kind of joint problem.

Rheumatoid Arthritis can gravely damage joint structure, thereby greatly reducing joint mobility. It can also generate chronic pain which can continue for years if not properly treated. If you have Rheumatoid Arthritis, here are some simple things you can do to keep the affected joints safe from the damage inflicted by Rheumatoid Arthritis!

Protecting joint health from Rheumatoid Arthritis

1. Maintain your weight: Your body weight places enormous stress on the joints. In normal situation, your bones and muscles are strong enough to carry the weight, but due to Rheumatoid Arthritis, the same bones become greatly weakened. Thus, it is better to maintain your weight to prevent any gradual increase.

2. Keep moving: People with Rheumatoid Arthritis should avoid staying in one posture for hours on end. To prevent joint damage due to inactivity, try to change your posture every hour. Regular movement will improve blood circulation throughout the body, especially the affected joints, allowing them better access to nutrients and revive the surrounding tissue.

3. Wear supportive shoes: If your foot is affected, wearing the right shoes can greatly reduce overall joint pain and discomfort. Stay away from slippers or sandals. Go to the shoe store and take help of the shop assistant in selecting a sturdy and comfortable pair which provides support to the feet.

4. Eat bone-healthy foods: Certain kinds of foods are rich in omega-3 fatty acids which reduce unnecessary inflammation. Foods like olive oil, sardines, salmon and anchovies should be a regular part of your diet as they help to check the damage being caused by Rheumatoid Arthritis.

5. Exercise properly: Careful exercise under the guidance of an experienced trainer is vital for people with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Plan your exercise routine to combat the joint stiffness and improve blood circulation throughout the body. Avoid high-impact or intense exercise as much as possible.

6. Buy better tools: Rheumatoid Arthritis reduces grip strength and weakens the fingers. Thus, you need equipment which is easy to use. Make sure the items that you regularly use have a good grip and are easily put to work. Get lighter plates and utensils to reduce the strain on your hands. If you find activities like cooking increasingly difficult to accomplish, ask your family members for help.

7. Avoid smoking: While it is a known fact that cigarette smoke is damaging, it can also worsen the autoimmune reaction and increase the extent of the damage. Furthermore, the dangerous chemicals in the tobacco can interfere with your medication, thus prolonging the recovery period.

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

Simple Things You Can Do To Fight Back Pain In Office

Office work involves a lot of sitting and staring at a screen for several hours at a stretch. While this is not a problem for most people, this can be quite a challenge for those with back pain. Yes, you can always take a short medical leave and recuperate at home. However, this option may not be practical for all, especially if the pain has become a chronic problem. Thus, let’s look at some simple ways you can manage your back pain in spite of spending long hours in the office!

Tips for working with back pain

1. Get a proper chair: Make sure your chair supports your back and, if possible, your neck. The chair must have an ergonomic build which adjusts to your body shape while giving adequate comfort as well as stability. Try out the chair and notice whether it supports your arms and lets you relax your shoulders.

2. Set up your desk properly: When it comes to office ergonomics, attention must be given to the structure and height of the chair as well as the table. For people with back pain, the height of the table is also important. Make sure that the table is set at a comfortable height, which allows you to easily reach the objects on it. You can also opt for a standing desk if you have to work for long hours at your desk.

3. Adjust the keyboard and mouse: They are the most used items on your table, so make sure that they are near you and at a comfortable height. If your elbows are close to the 90-degree angle while you are typing, then you have nothing to worry about.

4. Look straight at the screen: Try to keep the monitor level with your face so that you are not looking up or down at it. This will prevent unnecessary strain on your neck and back muscles. Make sure that the monitor is directly in front of you, so that you don’t need to turn your head to look at it. 

5. Stretch your legs: The human body is simply not designed to work continuously in a single posture for hours on end. So remember to take a short break every hour. Use the time to walk around the office or do some simple stretching exercises for your back.

6. Avoid your mobile phone: Nobody is asking you to do the impossible! Just make sure that you use your mobile phone continuously for extended periods. So, instead of writing emails or looking at PowerPoint presentations on your phone, use the computer. This will make it easy for you to maintain a good posture while working.  

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

How Does Physiotherapy Combat Joint Pain?

It is only in sickness that we realize the importance of health. Similarly, it is only when our bones and muscles fail to cooperate with us in undertaking our daily activities, do we realize how important they are in leading a functional life. Our musculoskeletal structure is an enormously complex machinery made up of muscular strands, fibrous tissue, blood vessels and nerves. Even the slightest damage to this intricate structure leads to pain, discomfort and even disability. 

While prevention is indeed better than cure, it is not possible to be 100% safe from joint pain. Advanced age, injury, improper diet, unhealthy lifestyle or physically demanding job profile – these are the most common triggering factors of joint pain. 

If you are suffering from joint problems, physiotherapy can nurse you back to health. On the solemn occasion of World Physiotherapy Day, let’s see how physiotherapy can help combat joint pain and get you back on your feet!

What is Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy is a set of rehabilitative practices and techniques which aim to help you recover from musculoskeletal problems and regain your health. Through the use of mechanical force and carefully coordinated movement, it helps people who are suffering from chronic as well as acute joint problems to get back their mobility and live life free from dependence on other people. Physiotherapy has become an important part of the modern medical discipline. Doctors and hospitals around the world routinely advise their patients to undergo physiotherapy under the guidance of an accredited physiotherapist. 

What makes Physiotherapy important? 

1. Reduces joint pain: The most important function of physiotherapy is to control and reduce joint pain. Therapeutic exercises and manual therapy techniques help to mobilize damaged joints and revive weakened tissue. Physiotherapy works simultaneously to reduce pain and improve joint function.

2. Restores joint function: Problems like Arthritis can severely degrade joint function and mobility, making it difficult or even impossible to move around and undertake daily activities. Here, physiotherapy is needed to gradually strengthen the affected joint and help the affected person to work and live in an independent manner. 

3. Speeds up recovery from injuries: Certain kinds of activities like sports are synonymous with injuries. Moreover, the average person is always at risk of suffering from a sprain or a cramp. Physiotherapy is essential to regaining joint health after suffering from an injury. Thus, it is no wonder that all major sports teams in the world have a dedicated physiotherapist on board!

4. Improves balance: It is a known fact that elderly persons have a high risk of falling and getting a fracture. To prevent this, physiotherapists screen a person’s fall risk and suggest exercises to improve sense of balance. This is an important part of injury and fracture prevention. 

5. Manage age-related issues: Almost all people face difficulty moving around when they become old. Physiotherapy can help such people stay safe from age-related issues like Arthritis or Osteoporosis and maintain a tolerably active life.  

You need physiotherapy if…

• You are suffering from chronic joint pain
• The injured area feels “different”, numb or inflamed
• Normal movement has become difficult or impossible
• The pain spikes if you try to use the affected joint

Physiotherapy and medication – a matchless combination!

Some people think that physiotherapy alone can remove joint pain and recover joint health. This is wrong – physiotherapy is complimentary to medication. Correct medication along with proper physiotherapy has become the most successful treatment strategy throughout the world in fighting joint pain and living an active as well as fulfilling life. 

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

Speed Up Recovery From Tennis Elbow – Top 5 Exercises

You don’t have to be tennis player like Rafael Nadal to get Tennis Elbow. This is a common injury resulting from overuse of the arm. People who are engaged in activities which require repetitive motion are generally at risk of suffering from Tennis Elbow. Thus, ordinary persons like carpenters, housewives, repairmen along with sports enthusiasts like tennis players can fall victim to this painful joint problem.

While medication can certainly help you recover from Tennis Elbow, you need proper exercise to regain your health. Let’s look at 5 basic arm-centric exercises which doctors around the world advise their patients to practise if they want to speed up the recovery process.

Top 5 Tennis Elbow exercises

1. Biceps curls

· Sit with the legs slightly spread.

· Place your right elbow on your right thigh and hold the weight while keeping the forearm horizontal.

· Slowly curl the weight upwards and towards your chest.

· Return to starting position.

· Repeat this motion 10 times and then switch to the other arm.

2. Wrist curls

· Place your forearm on a table with your hand hanging over the edge of the table.

· Make sure the palm is facing up.

· Place a 1 kg weight or dumbbell in your hand.

· Slowly raise and lower the weight while keeping the palm facing upwards without lifting your forearm off the table.

· Repeat this motion 10 times and then switch to the other arm.

· After 10 repetitions, redo the exercise with the palms facing down.

3. Ball squeeze

· Hold a ball in your hand.

· Make a fist around the ball and squeeze tightly.

· Hold the position for 5 seconds and then relax for 10 seconds.

· Repeat 10 times and then do it with the other arm.

4. Elbow Bend

· Stand up straight.

· Lower your arm to one side.

· Bend your arm upwards until your hand touches your shoulder.

· Hold for 15 seconds.

· Return to starting position.

· Repeat 10 times and then switch to the other arm.  

5. Towel twist

· Sit in a chair while holding a towel with both hands.

· Twist the towel 10 times with both hands in opposite directions as if it were wet.

· Rest for 10 seconds.

· Repeat 10 times again in the other direction.

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

   

Top 7 Tips To Deal With Slipped Disc Pain

Abhishek Bachchan, Hrithik Roshan and Gonzalo Higuaín – what do they have in common?

The answer: all of them have been afflicted with slipped disc at one point in their lives.  

Just like these famous personalities, thousands of people in India and around the world become victims of a painful joint condition called slipped disc. Also known as “herniated disc”, this problem affects the discs found in between the individual vertebrae in the spinal column. Slipped disc can cause tremendous pain and discomfort. Left unchecked, a slipped disc can even damage vital nerves and greatly reduce general mobility. 

Since there is no foolproof way to avoid this problem, the most that you can do is to remain prepared. Today, let’s talk about some simple ways to manage the most obvious symptom associated with this joint problem: Pain.

Tackling Slipped Disc pain

1. Get adequate rest: Trying to work in spite of the pain will only worsen the pain sensation. So take time off from your work and get rest. While this does not mean that you give up all activities, your present condition demands rest and relaxation to help the recovery process.

2. Take medication on time: Proper medication is essential in fighting pain sensation. Taking the prescribed pills on time will not only contain the slipped disc but also help you lead a tolerably normal life in spite of having such a joint condition. If you find it difficult to track your medicine consumption, then set up alarms on your phone, or you can request your family members to help you take the medication on a timely basis. 

3. Practise meditation and Pranayama: This will help you relax as well as reduce the pain sensation. People with slipped disc tend to spend too much time thinking about their agonizing condition. Meditative and Yogic practices can help you shift your focus away from the pain. 

4. Keep yourself busy: Having slipped disc may involve a lot of time spent in bed doing nothing. Don’t let this time go to waste: read a book, listen to soothing music, play games on your phone – do anything to take your mind off the constant pain. 

5. Exercise carefully: There are many kinds of exercises which you can do to strengthen your spine and speed up recovery. However, it would be foolish to try them out in the absence of expert supervision. Thus, if you feel confident enough, you can ask a physiotherapist to suggest some simple exercises to help you combat slipped disc and get back on your feet. 

6. Don’t over-exert yourself: While total bed rest is not advisable, needlessly trying to take part in physically intensive activities in spite of having slipped disc can be quite dangerous. Avoid activities which involve bending your back or lifting heavy things. Keep your pain level in mind before taking part in any activity and get sufficient rest afterwards. 

7. Avoid bad habits: Your daily activities are a major factor deciding how quickly you will recover from slipped disc. So, try to avoid unhealthy activities like smoking tobacco or drinking alcohol. Yes, the alcohol can temporarily reduce pain sensation, but it can also interfere with your medication, thus slowing down the recovery process. 

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

First Aid Tips For Sprain

Accidents are unwelcome guests in our life. Musculoskeletal problems like sprains appear out of nowhere and cause severe pain as well as discomfort. While it is not possible to completely remove the risk of suffering from a sprain in your life, what you can do is to be prepared for it. 

Today, let’s look at the first line of treatment which can be applied on someone who is suffering from a sprain. Commonly known as RICE treatment, these simple tips will not only reduce the pain and swelling, they will also help speed up the recovery process, so that you will be back on your feet in no time!

First steps to treating a sprain

1. Get complete rest: If you end up with a sprain, the first thing you must do is to give complete rest to the affected joint. This means putting as little pressure as possible on that joint. This may require you to take some time off from your work. Trying to use an injured joint will only increase the pain and worsen the damage to joint structure. 

2. Apply ice: Put a few ice cubes in a sock and apply to the joint. You can also keep the aching area submerged in a tub of cold water. The reduced temperature constricts blood flow to the affected region, thus temporarily reducing pain sensation as well as swelling. Use the ice for just 15 to 20 minutes. Keep at least an hour-long gap between two ice sessions. You can safely apply ice between eight to ten times during the first two days.

3. Use a compression bandage: Wrap a bandage properly around the affected joint. This will provide some support to the joint structure and reduce the swelling. Make sure not to wrap too tightly as that will cut off the blood circulation. 

4. Elevate the joint: Try to keep the sprained joint at or above your heart level. You can do this easily: just keep the joint on a small pillow or cushion while you are in bed. This will certainly help in reducing the swelling.

5. Try a crutch: While complete rest is advisable, it is hardly practical. So, if you need to move around the house, use a crutch. Yes, it will look odd but this will prevent you from accidentally putting pressure or strain on the injured joint. If a crutch is not available, then you can always try a walking stick or cane.

When should you go to the hospital?

If you see any of the following signs, then you should go to your local hospital for treatment without further delay:  

• The affected region has become dark red or black 
• Red streaks have spread across the region (sign of infection)
• Pain is not reduced upon ice application
• The joint feels unstable or numb (indicating severe damage to joint structure)

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