Heat patches

knuckleduster
knuckleduster Member Posts: 551
edited 28. Oct 2014, 15:57 in Living with Arthritis archive
Good morning one and all.

I've recently sustained a shoulder injury and it's proving a little devil to heal. I'm having treatment on it by the osteopath and I've also seen my GP and they both agree that the joint is fine and all the damage is in the muscles. Coping ok'ish during the day, but night is a different matter. I can get to sleep with it, but come 2am the pain wakes me up and won't go till I'm up, showered and moving about in the morning. I'm finding heat patches help during the day, but the instructions on the packet say "do not use at night". Is there any logical reason for his? I'm thinking of wearing one at night instead of during the day and I'm sure my arm won't drop off. But does anyone on the forum know otherwise :roll: .

Still sunny here in Essex and so very warm. Sitting typing this with the patio doors open and just wearing a thick blouse (and jeans, of course).

Our lovely son is planning his wedding for next September in two tepees joined together (won't need a posh hat or dress, just a fringed squaw outfit and a feather in my hair). :lol:

Janet xx

Comments

  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,697
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Sorry about your shoulder, Janet. I don't know what sort of heat patches you mean. There are some which just deliver heat and some which also deliver medication ie voltarol. I'd assume that one has to be careful not to overdose on any medication but, if it's just heat, I think the danger would be of overheating in bed at night. I remember DD posting some months back about a lady who had died as a result of her microwavable 'hottie'. Apparently they continue to heat up when removed from the microwave. My solution would be to ask your local pharmacist for advice on your particular patches.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I sometimes turn to the voltarol heat patches for my left shoulder - I broke my upper humerus back in January and sometimes it aches very badly. At night, however, I have been known to wrap a long mohair scarf around the joint, tucking the ends in under my armpit. It provides the warmth but in a safe manner - and greatly entertains Mr DD to boot. :roll: DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • Slosh
    Slosh Member Posts: 3,194
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I wonder if there is a danger of them bursting and leaking if you laid on them? I know some of the ones I've tried warn against lying on them but don't say why, I suppose there could also be a risk of burning yourself if you did this in your sleep.
    He did not say you will not be storm tossed, you will not be sore distressed, you will not be work weary. He said you will not be overcome.
    Julian of Norwich
  • knuckleduster
    knuckleduster Member Posts: 551
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thank you stickywicket, dreamdaisy and slosh for your replies. Hadn't thought about the patches bursting. At the moment (19.47) there is no pain at all in my shoulder or arm, but I bet at around 2am there will be. So I'll try rubbing some hot muscle cream into the shoulder and arm instead and put up with the fragrance (or smell) :o .

    Janet xx
  • villier
    villier Member Posts: 4,426
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hopefully the muscle cream will help to give you a sleep tonight Janet xx
    Smile a while and while you smile
    smile another smile and soon there
    will be miles and miles of smiles
    just because you smiled I wish your
    day is full of Smiles