How can using an ice pack on a sore joint help relieve pain?

Question

If we injured,we use balm to relieve pain.The balm is hot and the ice pack is very cold.Although they are totally different,they act same. How it works?
Is it ok to use both when you injured?

Answer 1

I think itz bcoz musclez tend to feel numb when really cold!

Answer 2

With a sore joint there is often soft tissue trauma. Without going into detail about the exact mechanism, trauma results in swelling. Swelling puts pressure on nerve endings and causes pain. Pain alerts us that we're hurt/injured. Cold reduces swelling and can numb pain. But more importantly, once the swelling goes down, pressure on nerve endings decreases, pain decreases. And that's how using an ice pack on a sore joint helps relieve pain.

Even when there is no swelling, an ice pack can prevent it. It can be alternated with heat to effectively prevent swelling and relieve pain. The balm you mentioned is most likely for muscle pain, not joint pain.

Answer 3

It will reduce the swelling and inflammation that causes the pain . You may not see the swelling because it is inside the tissue . Also , try glucosamine-chondroitin . A home remedy I learned from my aunt is to rub castor oil over the affected area . let it dry before covering with clothing . For about $2 a bottle it is amazing . Re: the ice-pack , do not use directly on skin and only 10 min. at a time , to avoid nerve damage .

Answer 4

the reason you use cold ice for an injury is because it reduces the inflamtion and swelling, you use hot to stop pain, and it is ok to use both. the best way to releive pain is to place heat on the pain for 15 minutes and leave off 15 minutes and then place cold pack on for 15 minutes for one hour straight and then apply the balm wait 30 minutes and then start over if the pain persist good luck

Answer 5

Ice reduces the swelling and provides some relief. More information on joint pain , home remedies and treatment is available at http://tinyurl.com/z5vx5

Answer 6

Yes, especially if it's a new injury. After 24-48 hours use warmth. Cold shrinks the capillaries and inhibits initial swelling. Warmth encourages blood flow and increases removal of dead cells and promotes healing thorough increased blood flow and transport.

Answer 7

Takes the swelling down.

Answer 8

Use heat, it relieves pain better, and it wont stiff up so easily. You can alternate them but done use cold too much.

Answer 9

if it's a "sore" joint then use warm compresses. if its swollen then use cold compresses. best to stay off your feet as much as possible too untill the pain/soreness/swelling goes down

Answer 10

ice first, then heat (like a heating pad) if the joint continues to hurt for a while you can take msm it really helps