Joints are vital parts of the human body where two bones meet. Joints are required in the skeleton to let your bones move smoothly. Some common joints in the body are:

Elbows

Shoulders

Knees

Hips

Joint pain often occurs when there is soreness, aches or discomfort in any of these joints. Joint pain is a common issue and often doesn’t even require a hospital visit. You can treat it at home with simple therapy wraps or other home remedies.

Causes of Joint Pain and Inflammation

Here are the most common causes of joint pain and inflammation:

Arthritis

Arthritis is one of the most common reasons for joint pain. The two main types of arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA). As per the American College of Rheumatology, the most common type of arthritis in adults above 40 is OA. It develops slowly and often affects joints like wrists, hips, knees and hands.

OA-related joint pain occurs due to the breakdown of cartilage that acts as a shock absorber and cushion for joints.

The second type of RA arthritis is known to affect mostly women compared to men. This condition can debilitate and deform joints with time. This type of arthritis is known to cause inflammation, pain and fluid buildup in body joints when the immune system of a body starts attacking the membrane that forms a joint lining.

OA-related joint pain occurs due to the breakdown of cartilage that acts as a shock absorber and cushion for joints.

Other causes of joint pain are:

Gout

Inflammation or bursitis of the cushioning found around joints

Lupus

An injury

Some infectious diseases like influenza, mumps and hepatitis

Inflammation of the tendon or tendinitis

Joint overuse

Chondromalacia of the patella

Breakdown of cartilage around the kneecap

An infection of the bone or joint

Cancer

Rickets

Fibromyalgia

Sarcoidosis

Osteoporosis

How to Reduce Joint Pain and Inflammation

Hot cold therapy wraps are beneficial to reduce joint pain and inflammation by stimulating the body’s natural healing process. For example, heat can dilate blood vessels, reduce muscle spasms and stimulate blood circulation. Besides, heat changes pain sensation in the body. You may use dry heat like heat lamps or heating pads or moist heat, such as heated washcloths or warm baths. On the other hand, cold compress helps reduce inflammation by blood vessel constriction. Although cold therapy or packs may feel uncomfortable at first, they can suppress or numb deep pain.

What Temperature is Suitable when Using Heat Therapy for Joint Pain?

When you use moist heat therapy, you need to ensure that the temperature is not very hot that it could burn your skin. You need to find a temperature that’s tolerable while using a hot water bottle, bath or spa therapy. You even have to give it some time to work. You have to use moist heat application for around 15 minutes before you exercise. After that, use it again soon after the exercise. You can even use moist heat therapy anytime you like for additional joint pain relief.

Different Types of Heat Therapy for Joint Pain

You may choose from the given types of heat therapies for joint pain:

Heated swimming pool

Heat belts or disposable heat patches

Moist heating pad

Warm bath

Hot packs (warmed in a microwave)

Warm shower

A therapeutic mixture of mineral oil and paraffin

Warm, moist cloth or towel

Warm hot tub or whirlpool

Does Cold Therapy Relieve Arthritis Pain?

Yes, cold therapy numbs soreness and reduces inflammation. Ice packs are great for joint pain that occurs due to arthritis flare. You may even think of using a local spray like fluoromethane on a painful area before you start exercising. It helps with joint pain by providing superficial cooling on the affected area while decreasing muscle spasms. Or, you may use instant cold packs made from vegetables or frozen bags.