Cold packs | Arthritis Information

Hello!

I am curious about using cold packs to relieve RA pain. I tried it last night for a few minutes, on and off, and today my swelling and pain are much worse. Has anyone else experienced this?

Thanks!

Hi Brook and welcome!!! I am new to the RA but I can tell you ice is painful for me. I just love a hot soak in the tub. I find that moist heat gives me the most relief. At work if my hands get stiff I will run them under the hot water in the ladies room. But ice is not something I can really do.

Connie

Cold packs work wonders for me. I always keep two or three in the freezer at home and at work. When my feet act up, I use an ace bandage to "tie" a cold pack onto my foot. Make sure there is a layer of cloth (sock, washcloth, etc) between you and the cold pack. I leave it on for 20 minutes or so. My neck and shoulders often act up too. I drape a cold pack over the place that hurts the most and leave it there for 20 minutes. If my hands are acting up, I'll set a cold pack on my desk and keep resting my hand on it.

I also have a couple of heating pads; they also work wonders for me. My favorite is a long, narrow heating pad especially made for neck/shoulders.

It's hard to explain, but sometimes the pain/stiffness responds to heat and sometimes it responds to cold. And, of course, sometimes it will only respond to vicodin.

Brooke, hi and welcome. Like Jasmine I use cold and hot on my joints. If it's inflammation without pain I use alternating cold and hot. If painful, I usually use just hot, moist heat.

Your worsening inflammation and pain could just be the disease process and not caused by the use of cold packs. Try alternating hot and cold or just hot, moist heat.

When all else fails I opt for a Vicodin and forget about the hot and cold packs. Lindy