Knee Pain Treatment in Kansas City | Ice, Heat, or Both? How to Help Relieve Knee Pain

Interested In Knee Pain Treatment in Kansas City?

Whether you hurt your knee on the tennis court, during a gym workout, or just because of age, it can be hard to know what remedy will bring the most relief. Some swear by icing a hurt knee while others love the warmth that a heating pad brings. So, which one is right? Learn more about how using ice and heat can help bring knee pain relief.
 

Use Ice for Swelling

Ice packs applied directly to the knee joint are helpful when it comes to battling swelling. A swollen knee after an activity means that the area has been aggravated. The cold temperature of the ice will help slow the rush of blood to the area and will cause the joint to calm down.

Use a reusable ice pack, or a frozen bag of vegetables, or make your own ice pack by adding ice cubes to a plastic bag. Use a barrier between the ice and your skin if it is too cold. Ice packs should be used for no more than 20 minutes at a time to prevent other issues.

Icing the knee is usually done at night, or directly after activity, to help reduce swelling. Many of those patients looking for knee pain treatment in Kansas City are well-versed in how ice can help reduce inflammation.
 

Use Heat to Loosen Joints

Heating the knee joint is a great way to help stretch the muscles and tendons within the area. Applying a heating pad will cause blood to rush to the area to help expand and stretch muscles.

Use an electric heating pad or hot towel to help loosen the tissue around the knee. Other options include a rice bag that can be warmed up in the microwave for easy use. While some patients like to use heat for longer periods of time, it is recommended to talk with your doctor or medical professional about what is best for your health.

Heating is commonly used in the morning for patients with knee pain as it helps stretch the area to prepare it for movement. Medical professionals who offer knee pain treatment in Kansas City often recommend heat as part of the treatment process. Make sure to use a barrier between the heat source and your skin so that you can avoid burns.
 

Using Both Ice and Heat for Relief

Some patients swear by using both ice and heat to help treat knee pain. While it may seem counterintuitive, using both cold and hot temperatures can help your body start to repair the affected area. Again, many patients use heat in the morning and ice at night.

Home remedies can bring some relief when dealing with knee pain. If your knee pain persists, consider contacting the professionals at LifeWorks Integrative Health for knee pain treatment in Kansas City.