Into every joint some pain must fall. It may be a sprain, strain, arthritis, tendinitis, or something else. Keep these practices in mind.
• Sports injuries: Use ice for acute pain, inflammation, and swelling. Heat perpetuates the cycle of inflammation and can be harmful.
• Headaches: Cold masks or wraps over the forehead, eyes and temples help the throbbing pain of a migraine. Ice is preferred, but heat wraps can halt neck spasms that contribute to headache.
• Arthritis: Heat wins for arthritis and injuries that linger more than six weeks. For acute gout flares, go for the ice.