Applying a heat treatment or cold treatment is a common method for treating injuries, stiffness, swelling, and pain. When used for fingers, hands, and wrists, it can be very helpful for:

• Recent injuries (bruises or fractures) or chronic injuries
• Swelling
• Stiffness
• Irritation

Treatment

Benefits of a Heat Treatment

Heat or warmth will help get things moving by speeding up the molecules in tissues and increasing blood flow. Heat is helpful for stiff joints and muscles and can be useful prior to an activity. We often see an athlete warming up before a workout.

A warm shower or bath can help sore, stiff joints, especially in the early morning. A warm compress or heating pad can also relieve stiffness (Figure 1); however, too much heat could cause fainting, swelling, or burns to skin and tissues, so use your heat treatment in moderation

Benefits of a Cold Treatment

If there is pain, swelling, and irritation after an activity, cold treatment can reduce these symptoms. Cold slows down the molecules in tissues and reduces blood flow.

The most common cold treatment is ice or something that has been made cold by placing it in the freezer, such as a gel pack (Figure 2). Apply ice for 15 minutes, then allow a 15-minute rest before reapplying.

As with heat, too much cold can slow down and stiffen sore joints, so use this treatment in moderation. Applying ice or anything extremely cold to bare skin can cause injury. Always wrap the source of cold in some sort of fabric. If a bandage or splint is too thick and the cold is not getting through, apply the cold near the area on exposed skin. Stop using ice if you feel extreme pain or numbness due to the cold.

Special Treatments

Some special and more advanced heat or cold treatments may be used under the supervision of a therapist or physician. Some options may include:

• Therapeutic ultrasound: A qualified therapist will use ultrasound to slowly heat deeper tissues to help motion.
• Contrast bath: This is a bath that involves alternating heat and cold.
• Paraffin wax or warm wax: This can be used to apply heat via machines that are highly regulated and use a wax mixture that avoids skin burns.

Use caution when implementing a heat treatment or cold treatment. Monitor time and the condition of your skin, and always test the hot or cold item before applying. Contact your physician or therapist for assistance.