Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain Relief using either Heat or Cold

Flare-ups of pain and stiffness in the joints is common for those with rheumatoid arthritis. In the morning or after periods of rest, joint swelling can cause loss of mobility and fatigue. Pain relief with both hot and cold treatments is possible for sufferers of rheumatoid arthritis, according to the Arthritis and Glucosamine Information Center. Whether the pain is from resting or exercising, allow the natural healing properties of heat and cold soothe joint swelling.

Hot Treatments

• Apply heat to sore joints before exercising or warming up the muscles. Soothe the joints and reduce swelling by applying a warm heat pad or compress to the affected area. Wrap the entire body in a heated blanket for whole-body pain relief. Soak in a warm bubble bath if mobility allows safe movement getting into the bathtub. Take a long hot shower. Use a massaging shower head to provide relief to the back. Consider installing a whirlpool, sauna or bathtub with jets for ongoing heated pain relief.

Cold Treatments

• Soothe sore joints with cold packs after exercise or substantial physical activity. Wrap a cold pack or bag of frozen peas in a towel, and hold on the sore joints to reduce swelling. Allow the cold pack to soothe the area for 20 to 30 minutes. Remove the pack when the area feels numb.
  Decreasing muscle spasms, joint swelling, tissue damage and blood-clot formation are possible with ice, according to the Road Runners Club of America. Exercise the swollen area with gentle movements after the area has been numbed. Do slow range-of-motion exercises in a circular or diagonal movement. When the area becomes warm, repeat the cooling and gentle exercising until the joints feel loose and more mobile.

  As a rule of thumb, use heat before exercise, and cool after physical activity. After cooling, bring the body back to a warm temperature by applying heat again, in combination with slow gentle movements to make the body more limber.

Topical Ointments

• Apply topical creams to sore joints. Use cooling gels and heat-inducing creams marketed for arthritic or athletic use. Apply the warming creams after a period of rest or before exercise. Allow the ointment to dilate the blood vessels, increasing blood flow to the sore area. Rub cooling creams on the joints after exercise or strain on the joints. Constriction of the blood vessels will minimize new swelling after periods of activity.