Arthritis literally means joint inflammation. It is that swelling, redness, heat, and pain caused by tissue injury or disease in the joint.

There are many different kinds of arthritis, from rheumatic to autoimmune diseases.

Hot and cold therapy treatments can be used to reduce the pain and inflammation of arthritis. Studies show that both therapies can be equally effective for reducing pain, except in the case of acute gout.

Applying heat increases your blood flow, tolerance for pain, and flexibility. Heat therapy can involve treatment with:

• moist heat
• ultrasound
• microwaves
• paraffin wax

Physical therapists are needed for all but the application of moist heat. Some ways to apply moist heat include:

• moist heating pad
• taking a warm bath or shower
• placing warm towels or hot packs on the inflamed joint

Cold application numbs the nerves around the joint, which reduces pain, inflammation and muscle spasms. Examples of cold therapy include:

• cold packs
• ice massage
• soaking in cold water
• OTC sprays, ointments that cool skin & joints

In addition to hot and cold application for joint pain relief, your lifestyle must also include consuming a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, plenty of rest and exercise.

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