| In short, 'maybe'. A good rule of thumb when you are | | | | hours to spare, do your best to treat the joint with ice |
| concerned about arthritis is the length of time for which | | | | in fifteen-minute increments for at least one hour. |
| you've been experiencing your symptoms. Typically, | | | | People who have swelling that results from an old |
| pain and swelling in the joints that persists for greater | | | | injury may find heat therapy to be both soothing and |
| than six weeks is a good indicator of arthritis. | | | | beneficial for mobility. Try a heating pad or |
| However, this is not 'iron clad' and should be diagnosed | | | | microwavable heat pack while you're watching TV or |
| by a doctor. | | | | relaxing in the evening. |
| Not all joint pain and swelling is caused by arthritis, and | | | | Arthritis sufferers will also find heat therapy more |
| because of the intricacies of the human body, any | | | | beneficial than ice. Moist heat will work well during an |
| problem that persists for more than seven days should | | | | arthritic flare up. One of the best ways to utilize moist |
| be evaluated by your physician. This is also true for | | | | heat is by placing a wet towel in the dryer and running |
| joint pain. | | | | it until the towel is warm, but damp. Wrap the towel |
| If you've already been diagnosed with arthritis, and you | | | | around the affected joint and relax. You can repeat |
| notice new symptoms, consider consulting your doctor | | | | this process as often as you like. |
| about possible causes and to gain advice on treating | | | | Joint swelling that is a result of infection can be treated |
| your pain and stiffness. In the mean time, here are | | | | with moist heat temporarily until you can see your |
| some tips on relieving your swollen joint(s) at home. | | | | doctor. If you believe you may have an infection, don't |
| Relieve your swollen joints | | | | put off visiting your doctor. The longer you wait, the |
| If you suspect your swelling is due to a recent injury, | | | | more severe the infection can become, impacting the |
| try icing the joint in fifteen-minute increments over a | | | | health of more than just your joints. |
| span of four to six hours. If you don't have four to six | | | | |