The choice between heat and cold for knee pain depends on the nature of the pain and the underlying cause. The best knee replacement surgeons can diagnose the cause of your knee pain. After that, the expert can recommend conservative methods, such as ice or heat therapy. Here is more information about using ice or heat for knee pain:
Cold Therapy
Cold therapy or ice can be beneficial in the early stages of an injury or when there’s intense pain and swelling. Injuries that can benefit from cold therapy are tendonitis, strain, sprain, and meniscal tear. Cold therapy constricts blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the affected area. When you apply ice to such injuries, it can reduce inflammation and numb the affected area. Cryotherapy can also prevent some injuries, like tendonitis, from progressing.
Ice therapy is commonly used at home, especially for minor injuries, post-operative recovery, or general pain management. Your surgeon or physical therapist may apply ice therapy during your visits to aid in the post-operative recovery process. The best knee replacement surgeons can utilize more advanced equipment or techniques like cryotherapy machines for targeted cooling.
How to Apply Ice
Before applying ice, get a clean and dry cloth or towel as a barrier. Place the ice pack or cold gel pack on top of the fabric and check if it covers the affected area on your knee. For better results, set a timer and leave the ice or cold gel pack on the affected site for several minutes. Depending on your comfort and the severity of your pain or swelling, you can repeat the process after some hours.
Pay attention to how your skin feels during the application to take corrective action. Remove the cold pack immediately if it starts to feel unpleasantly cold or numb. Never apply ice or gel packs directly to your skin, as it can cause frostbite or skin damage. After applying ice, avoid exposing the treated area to sudden temperature changes, such as a hot shower, as it may cause further discomfort.
Heat Therapy
Heat therapy is used to relax and loosen tissues, help stimulate blood flow, and soothe stiff and tense muscles. Thermotherapy can be more suitable for chronic pain, muscle tightness, and joint stiffness. This therapy can benefit patients with knee arthritis, osteoarthritis, or muscle stiffness. Heat therapy can be a good option when the pain is not associated with active inflammation.
Heat can cause blood vessels to expand, improving blood circulation to the affected knee area. This increased blood flow can speed up the healing process and deliver nutrients to damaged tissues. Physical therapists help use thermotherapy to increase a patient’s joint mobility and make it easier to perform exercises or stretches to improve the range of motion.
How to Apply Heat
Heat therapy can be applied using heating pads, warm towels, or warm gel packs. Choose a heating pad with adjustable temperature settings and check if it’s in good working condition with no exposed wires or damage. Place a cloth or towel between the heating pad and your skin that acts as a protective barrier to prevent burns or skin irritation. Adjust the heating pad to your desired temperature within a comfortable range for a better outcome.
If you’re using warm towels or gel packs, avoid overheating them to prevent skin damage. You can wrap the warm gel pack in a cloth or towel to prevent direct contact with your skin. Place the wrapped gel pack or a warm towel on your knee where you’re experiencing discomfort. Leave the towel or gel pack on for some minutes and remove them when you feel relieved. Check your skin periodically to make sure it’s not becoming too red or irritated. If you notice skin reactions, remove the heat source and allow your skin to cool.
Choose the Best Knee Replacement Surgeons
Before surgery, surgeons may recommend heat therapy to relax the muscles and alleviate pain in the knee to help the patient feel more comfortable before the procedure. After knee surgery, surgeons and their healthcare teams use ice therapy to reduce post-operative swelling and pain. They can utilize ice packs, cooling machines, or cold compression wraps. Experienced surgeons may also suggest a combination of heat and ice therapy at different stages of recovery to boost healing. Book an appointment with a reputable knee replacement surgeon for customized treatment.