Will Heat Relieve Arthritis Pain?

Arthritis is a medical condition marked by inflammation of the joints. It causes pain, swelling and stiffness in the affected area as well as reddened skin and warmth. According to MedicineNet.com, arthritis affects more than 300 million people around the world, including men, women and children. There are many ways to treat arthritis, and heat may be helpful for managing the pain and inflammation associated with it.

Treat Arthritis With Heat

• You can use heat therapy to treat arthritis pain. This type of treatment can help to stimulate the circulation of blood in the affected area and relax muscle tissue, making you more comfortable. Taking a warm bath is one way to use moist heat in treating your pain. Try soaking in a warm bath for 20 to 30 minutes or even going for a swim in a heated pool.

  In lieu of fully immersing your body in water, you may find some pain relief by placing heated wash cloths on the painful areas. For this treatment, wet a wash cloth or small towel and place it in the microwave for a couple of seconds. Be careful, however, not to make it too hot, as you risk burning your skin if the temperature is too high. Alternatively, you may place wet wash cloths on the painful area and then aim a heat lamp at it to warm the cloth.

  If you'd prefer to use a dry heating source, you can purchase a heating pad and place it on the painful area. You may find these as cloth-covered packs with a gel substance inside. You heat the packs in a microwave to warm them and place them on your skin, after making sure they're not hot enough to burn you. If you prefer, you can purchase a heating pad that is run by electricity. You can plug it in and place it on your skin while it warms up or after it's become sufficiently warm. Many of these heating pads have temperature adjustment dials for added comfort.

  If you want an all-over heat treatment for pain, consider spending some time in a sauna---a room in which a high level of heat is maintained while humidity is controlled. Saunas can help to improve circulation to your joints, which may help to relieve pain and stiffness. They also help to relax your muscles, tendons and ligaments. Speak to your doctor before using a sauna to treat your pain, however, as some people do not tolerate the high temperatures very well.