Rheumatism is a chronic self-immunological disease that causes arthritis, pain and rigidity. For RA patients, managing symptoms and improving the quality of life are key objectives of treatment. Of the many non-pharmacological treatments, thermal dressing is widely used to alleviate joint pain and rigidity. However, heat dressing is not suitable for all situations and it is therefore important to know when and how it is used.
The mechanism of the heat.
Thermal dressing relieves pain and rigidity by increasing local blood flow. This approach helps:
Relaxing muscles: Hot dressing helps relax nervous muscles and reduces muscle spasms and discomfort.
Promotion of blood circulation: Through the expansion of blood vessels, heat dressing can increase the flow of blood in the affected areas and bring more oxygen and nutrients, while helping to remove inflammation products.
Improved organizational resilience: Thermal dressing increases the flexibility of soft organization and improves joint activity.
Pain relief: Through warm irritation, heat dressing can interfere with the transmission of painal nerve signals and provide short pain relief.
It suits the heat.
Chronic pain and rigidity: For rheumatism in the chronic phase, especially morning rigidity and long-term rigidity, thermal dressing can be effective in mitigating symptoms.
Non-acute period: Thermal dressing can help restore joint function after the acute onset period, when joint inflammation and swelling are reduced.
Pre-mobilization: Before physical therapy or exercise, thermal dressing can help ease joints and muscles and reduce the risk of injury.
Not fit for heat.
Acute Inflammation Period: During the acute outbreak of RA, there may be visible swelling, heat and severe pain at the joints. In such cases, the heat dressing may exacerbate inflammation and swelling, and cold dressing may be a better option.
Infection or open wounds: If the joint or the surrounding skin has an infected or open wound, thermal dressing may aggravate the infection.
Perceptive impairment: For patients with sensory impairments, hot dressing can lead to burns, as the patient may not be aware of excessive temperatures.
The right way to heat it.
Select the appropriate heat source: Hot water bags, electro-heat pads or microwave heating hot bags may be used. Ensure that heat sources are moderate and do not overheat, so that the skin is not burned.
Control heat dressing time: Each heat dressing time should be contained in 15-20 minutes to avoid long heat dressing leading to skin damage.
Use interval: Thermal dressing can take place many times a day, but there should be sufficient time between each to prevent excessive skin irritation.
Be safe: When electro-heat pads are used, ensure the power is safe and avoid sleeping in order to avoid accidents.
Thermal dressing is an effective aid for chronic pain and rigidity in patients with rheumatism, but should be used with caution, depending on the circumstances and the stage of the condition, and is not a substitute for medication and other medical interventions. RA is a disease requiring integrated management, and patients, under the guidance of a doctor, should manage the situation in combination with medication, physiotherapy and lifestyle adjustments.
Rheumatism arthritis
