Ice vs. Heat - Which is More Effective for Arthritis Pain?

Arthritis patients searching for an effective mode of pain relief question whether it is better to use ice or heat on an affected joint. It has been suggested that personal preference is the determining factor. A study reported in the December 2006 Journal of Clinical Rheumatology, asked 150 patients visiting a clinic for joint pain to fill out questionnaires regarding their response to treatment with ice or heat. Twenty-six patients indicated that they had never tried ice or heat. Of the remaining 124 patients:

• 20 patients had gout diagnosed by crystals
• 32 patients had rheumatoid arthritis
• 32 patients had osteoarthritis
• 18 patients had other types of inflammatory arthritis
• 22 patients had soft tissue conditions

Researchers concluded that a significantly higher percentage of patients with gouty arthritis preferred topical ice for pain relief. Most patients with rheumatoid arthritis preferred heat.

Related Resources:

• Guide to Arthritis Pain
• Hot / Cold Gel Packs
• Moist / Dry Heating Pads
• How to Manage Arthritis Pain
• 10 Ways to Increase Your Pain
• The Pain Quiz: Acute vs. Chronic Pain

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