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Ice As Treatment for Arthritis

Not all kinds of arthritis are the same. There are two main types (osteoarthritis and rheumatoid) that require different treatments. And most people think that heat is best for arthritis, but this may not be true. Whether ice can help your arthritis symptoms may depend on which type you have. Additionally, some symptoms will respond to ice and others will not. Knowing the difference is critical.

  1. Osteoarthritis

    • Osteoarthritis is a condition in which the joints and their cartilage begin to deteriorate and wear away. It is the most common type and can affect almost any joint. Back, hips and knees are often involved. You may have pain, difficulty performing day-to-day activities, stiffness, achiness and other problems.

    Rheumatoid Arthritis

    • Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition affecting the joint lining. Pain, loss of function and stiffness occur. More women than men have it, and it progresses in stages, according to the Arthritis Foundation. It is characterized by swelling, warmth and redness initially. With time, it can ultimately break down bone and cartilage.

    When to Use Ice

    • Use ice to decrease inflammation and ease soreness, or during a flareup (a period when symptoms intensify). People with rheumatoid arthritis may use cold therapy more often because of the inflammatory nature of the disease. Ice is not recommended for stiffness and will not promote relaxation.

    How to Use Ice

    • Since arthritis affects joints, which are oddly shaped, flexible ice packs or a bag of crushed ice are best. The Arthritis Foundation suggest using a cloth or towel to cover the ice to protect the skin. Do not put ice over skin that it irritated or has cuts, abrasion or sores. Apply ice for no more than 20 minutes at a time.

    Considerations

    • After a treatment with ice, check your skin. According to the Arthritis Foundation, skin with a purplish tint or raised bumps, like hives, could mean the treatment was too long or too cold. Blisters or splotchy red skin are also signs of overdoing it. Try moving the joint after a treatment so that stiffness does not set in.

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