We treat everything from a twisted ankle to arthritis with ice packs or heating pads. Application of heat or ice can be beneficial during several different conditions and injuries. However, the tricky part is knowing when to use heat and when to use ice.

Heat therapy can improve blood flow due to the increased temperature. Application of heat to the affected area can soothe muscles and increase flexibility. The sources of heat therapy include heat pads, sauna, steamed towels, moist heating packs, and hot baths.

Cold Therapy or ice therapy can reduce blood flow to a particular area. It can reduce inflammation and swelling, thus relieving the pain. The sources of cold therapy include ice packs, ice massage, frozen gel packs, and coolant sprays.

Here are a few tips to help you choose between heat and ice therapy for various injuries:

Heat should be avoided in case of acute injuries because heat increases inflammation and delays proper healing. It's best to use ice in case of an acute injury. Ice can constrict the blood vessels, which relieves pain and inflammation and limits bruising.

If your injury is older than 6-weeks, then you can use heat. Heat can increase blood flow and relax the tight muscles and relieve aching joints. It is can also help improve the range of motion.

The inflammation and tenderness of joints caused by wear and tear of cartilage can lead to joint pain. In such cases, moist heat such as a warm shower or a soak in the tub can relieve pain.

Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis. It is characterized by sudden onset of pain and inflammation. In this type of arthritis, the application of ice can relieve the pain.

Whether you have pulled a muscle in your back while playing sports or sprained your ankle while jogging, it's best to apply ice to reduce the swelling or redness. Ice can also help reduce the pain. And only after the inflammation is reduced, heat therapy should be used to relieve muscle stiffness. Thus, muscle sprain can be treated with a combination of both ice and heat.

Tendinitis is the inflammation of the tendons, the connective tissue that attaches muscle to bone. The usual treatment measures include rest, pausing intense physical activities, and painkillers. Ice therapy is preferred for this condition as it eases pain and reduces inflammation.

Tendinosis is the degeneration of the tendon’s collagen due to overuse. It causes stiffness and irritation of the joint tendons. In such cases, heat can be used after the inflammation resolves.

Thus, some conditions may require cold therapy or heat therapy, while some may require a combination of both. Understanding when to use cold therapy and when to use heat therapy can increase the effectiveness of the treatment and speed up the recovery process.

If either therapy causes more pain or discomfort, stop it immediately. If the treatment hasn't helped much with regular use, consult a doctor and discuss other treatment options.