Advice about ice packs please ☺️

Angel666

Hi everyone, I'm having daily problems with my ankles & wrists badly swelling to the point my GP said today that the rashes I have on both my ankles & wrists are due to trauma to the blood vessels so I've seen people on here mentioning they've used ice packs so wld appreciate any advice on best type to get as never bought them before...Thankyou 🌸

stickywicket

Ice packs are simple. Take a large pack of eg frozen peas, wrap them in a towel (so as not to damage your skin) then apply to rhe affected joint for about 10-15 minutes. Repeat as necessary. But always remember they're your 'medical peas' and don't try eating them!

But I'm just wondering if your doc actually advised this. It can be great for joints that are swollen due to arthritis but I've never had the rash you mention and damaged blood vessels sound as if they should be treated with caution.

You could elevate your feet as much as possible which might help.

Angel666

Thankyou, I'm basically on permanent flare up at the moment & ankles suffering the worse 🙄 they've stopped my Methotrexate for now as think the little lumps & blisters on fingers are a reaction to it & on no pain relief except paracetamol 🤦🏻‍♀️ hoping to speak to someone on the RA dept at hospital on Monday as really can't go on like this much longer 🙁 x

stickywicket

Oh dear! That doesn't sound good. But definitely best to leave off the meth if that's the cause. Though I don't suppose it feels that way. How are your latest blood tests? Have they shown up any problems?

It's not uncommon to have to leave off our DMARDS for a while. Often they can be re-started with no problems. Sometimes a different one has to be tried. The interim is difficult.

I suggest you try to think about what you will say to your rheumatology team on Monday. Polite but firm is my way. But do emphasise how difficult things are and the lumps, bumps and blood vessel problems. And let us know how it goes.

.

Angel666

On the last 2 blood tests both liver & kidney markers are slowly raising but that was all, only been on meds for 6 weeks & off steroids for the last 3 of them but since being off the steroids pain & swelling has got increasingly worse again, will take your advice when I call them tomorrow...advice & helpline only open for 2 hours tomorrow so hope I can get through 🤞🤞

RogerBill

I've a belt that came with two gel packs. The packs can either be frozen in a freezer or heated in a microwave. I think I bought it online from Amazon. One gel pack is used in the belt while the other can be cooling in the freezer. The belt is large enough for my back and the velcro fastening means, whilst not ideal, I've also used it for my shoulder and hip. I think smaller belts for ankles, wrists and knees are available at quite reasonable prices.

I think some find alternately applying heat and cold is more effective than just one or the other. I believe the instructions with my belt said frozen ice packs should only be applied no longer than something like 15 minutes.

Angel666

That's great thankyou ☺️ I had a look on the boots chemist website after reading your reply & found some that are similar to this ...use hot or cold with a strap & has 5⭐ reviews 👍 checked my local branch & in stock so popping in later to pick up a couple 😁

stickywicket

It's quite common for the arthritis to bite back once steroids are decreased and the meth hasn't properly kicked in. I'm sure your helpline can sort out something. Just brew up and keep on phoning😉