When to Use Hot Cold Packs
The use of heat and cold is a standard treatment for a variety of injuries. The type and age of the injury or condition indicates whether hot or cold is appropriate. The use of hot and cold packs is one of the simplest methods of applying heat or cold to the affected area.
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What Hot Packs Do
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According to the Arthritis Foundation, heat relaxes muscles and improves blood circulation. Heat also produces a soothing effect on the body, further aiding in the healing process, according to Patient UK.
When to Use Hot Packs
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The AAFP recommends heat pads for back pain caused by muscle spasms, because it helps relax the muscles relieving some of the pain. Always limit treatments to no more than 20 minutes and avoid excessive heat.
Heat can be applied to injuries that are more than 48 hours old, but should not be used on a new injury because it will increase the bleeding and make the injury worse.
Warm packs, but not hot ones, are recommended by the AAFP to relieve the pain associated with ear aches. The Center for Young Women's Health suggests using hot packs or heating pads to relieve painful menstrual cramps.
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What Cold Packs Do
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The Arthritis Foundation recommends cold for numbing sore joints and reducing inflammation during flare-ups. Cold packs also decrease the bruising associated with sprains, according to the AAFP, as well as the swelling. Cold packs also help to relieve the pain associated with these conditions by numbing the area.
When to Use Cold Packs
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NIAMS recommends cold pack therapy four to eight times a day for the first 2 days after a sprain or strain, in combination with rest, compression and elevation. Always limit cold treatments to no more than 20 minutes and avoid extreme cold.
Cautions
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The Arthritis Foundation cautions patients not to use hot or cold packs on wet skin, cuts or sores. It also recommends placing a towel between the pad and skin. If you have poor circulation or a similar condition, you should not use cold packs without a doctor's recommendation.
Avoid excessive temperatures. After use, check for any discoloration on the skin which could indicate heat or cold damage. Wait until skin is normal temperature before reapplying. Ideally you should wait at least 2 hours between treatments. Do not use heat or cold for more than 20 minutes each treatment.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of traveling for about a month) (Jeremy Barwick
