Heat VS. Cold for Rheumatod Arthritis...

Heat vs. Ice

From WEBMD

http://www.webmd.com/arthritis/heat-and-cold-therapy-for-arthritis-pain

ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR, BUT THE FOLLOWING POSTS AND WEBSITES ARE ALSO HELPFUL

Some more helpful information provided by #Everyday Health:

http://www.everydayhealth.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/hot-and-cold-therapy.aspx

Cold Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis

If your joints are inflamed, it makes sense that something cold could ease the inflammation and thus the pain. The main benefits of cold therapy are reducing inflammation, swelling, and soreness, as well as temporarily relieving joint pain caused by an arthritis flare.
Like heat therapy, cold therapy comes in several forms. Cold packs that you place directly on an aching joint include everything from the minimalist — bags of frozen peas or gel packs found at the drugstore — to complete systems of coolers, cooling pads, and devices shaped to certain parts of the body, including the knees and back.
Another simple method of cooling the joints is a cool-water soak in a tub — just don't let the water get so cold that you become chilled. And there are widely available over-the-counter cold sprays and ointments, such as Bio Freeze or CryoDerm, that relieve inflammation by numbing the nerves.
One word of caution about cold therapy: If you have Raynaud's syndrome, a condition in which small blood vessels in the fingers or toes constrict when exposed to cold, you probably should not use cold therapy on the affected part of your body. Of course, you should always consult your doctor or physical therapist before trying heat or cold therapy for rheumatoid arthritis.
Follow these guidelines for safely using hot and cold therapy for rheumatoid arthritis:

Tips on Using Heat Therapy for RA

• Use safe heat sources, including hot towels, hot tubs, showers or baths, hot water bottles, microwaveable hot pads, and electric heating pads.
• To prevent burns, do not use heat for excessive lengths of time (follow manufacturers' guidelines).
• When using heating pads or hot water bottles, place a towel or cloth between the heating pad or hot water bottle and your skin.
• Be careful to check your skin for redness often while applying heat and remove the heat source if redness occurs.
• Follow all manufacturers' instructions when using a paraffin bath device.

Tips on Using Cold Therapy for RA

• Use a bag of frozen peas, wrap ice in a thin towel, or use commercially available cold gel packs for cold therapy.
• Avoid applying ice or cold packs directly to the skin — use a towel or cloth between the cold device and the skin.
• To avoid frostbite, do not apply cold for more than 15 minutes at a time.
• Allow your skin to return to normal temperature and color before using cold again.

If you're using one of these hot or cold methods and it doesn't bring relief, or it seems to make your rheumatoid arthritis symptoms worse, talk to your doctor.

More questions about Rheumatoid Arthritis answered by #Mayo Clinic:

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/basics/definition/con-20014868

MORE FROM #The Arthritis Foundation

http://www.arthritistoday.org/arthritis-treatment/natural-and-alternative-treatments/remedies-and-therapies/heat-cold-for-pain-relief.php