new to the board

joolsp
joolsp Member Posts: 3
edited 22. Dec 2011, 07:43 in Living with Arthritis archive
hi, just had a look at this board and wanted to ask a question.
i have oa of both knees and am trying to hold off replacements. my ICATS doctor told me to use some type of pack (here's the question) but can't remember if it was an ice pack or a heat pack, to ease the pain a it.
i think it was an ice pack he recommended because my knees feel very hot to touch but don't want to make them worse. can anyone tell me if i am right?
tried lots of other treatment (accupuncture, steroid injections, physio) but
no great success so now just taking painkillers and nsaid's.

Comments

  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I had very hot knees with my PA so was told to use ice. I used a bag of frozen peas (wrapped in a teatowel) as they draped nicely over the affected areas. They were clearly marked 'Knee Peas' so we knew never to eat them. I hope this info helps. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,837
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Jools

    Good to meet you x:-)

    I can quite understand that you might want to delay surgery as long as possible.

    l have used both, but it's trial and error really.

    I have a gel thingy which you can either heat up or freeze....maybe one of those would be an idea??

    Love

    Toni xxx
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Joolsp and welcome from me too. As for the heat v ice treatment, I don't think you can do any damage as both are accepted treatments. Some find heat better and others ice. I'm another frozen pea person. They're so much gentler on the knee than ice cubes.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • barbara12
    barbara12 Member Posts: 21,281
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi joolsp
    A very warm welcome to the forum, like the others have said both ice and heat can be used...I do hope you can get some relief, has for the TKR..there are many on here that have had them done, with very good results.
    Love
    Barbara
  • joolsp
    joolsp Member Posts: 3
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    thanks to everyone. i think i will start with the old frozen peas and then if needed try a heat pack. just i'm sure everyone knows that sometimes you get to a point where you start to feel a bit sorry for yourself and have a go at anything really in the hope that it will work.
    doesn't help when i know that weight loss would help but am stuck in a circle of pain restricts exercise and lack of exercise puts weight on.
    must start that diet aftger xmas.
  • hileena111
    hileena111 Member Posts: 7,099
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Jools,
    Sorry I'm late answering this but I cant say much more.......try both....it wont harm.
    I have {like the majority of people on here :lol: } a wheatie which goes in the microwave.....I find that heat helps me more....You can get gel packs of sorts to put in the fridge/freezer {not up on these 'cause i dont use them} Use the peas to start with......Cheaper :lol:
    Its all trial and error
    Love
    Hileena