Anyone who lives with rheumatoid arthritis knows the value of an ice-pack or five. A flare-up can hit many joints at one time, so it's advisable to have several ice-packs stashed in your freezer.
You may have often heard it said that you can use a bag of frozen vegetable. My thinking is that if you're going to use the frozen veggies, you're going to throw them out afterwards. At least I think you would. Instead, spend that money on several ice-packs that you can keep on hand, ready for chillin'.
The best way to use an ice-pack is to wrap it in a lightly-moistened cloth to increase conductivity. Brrr! Be patient, soon you'll be singing a different tune. It's recommended that you keep it on for no longer than twenty minutes.
To make the whole icing process easier, I decided to take some old towels and make pillow cases for my ice-packs. Dependent upon the location of the hot joint, I might also use a tensor bandage to secure the ice-pack in place.
funny how the question of heat or cold comes up with RA. in nearly every case, regardless of swelling, pain level, etc. I gravitate to heat in any form…hot tubs, heated wraps, heat generating ointments, etc. I can count on my hand the number of times I have used ice…so interesting how we are all so different in what works best. Nan
Agreed.
Once again great tips!
We use a tea towel or kitchen hand towel to wrap the ice pack/hot water bottle in.
We got a reusable ice pack from the Chiro distributed by Chirotec (www.chirotec.ca Canadian eh!). It remains flexible when cold making it bendable when needed. Right on the pack it says:
Thanks for your comment and the link to Chirotec. With all that golfing you do, I’m sure the pack gets well used.
Only when you hit the ground instead of the ball! LOL