Aches and Pains over the Festive Season
Over the festive season we tend to sit more often, but equally we can be prone to bursts of activity that we might not normally be used to. A desire to walk more vigorously, play games etc. As a result, we can trigger existing aches and pains, or discover a new discomfort.
So, while we know we have talked about this before, we thought it might be a handy reminder to talk again about when to use ice or heat to help those aches and pains.
Acute pain - usually in the first 48 hours after an injury - should be tackled with ice. Remember to wrap any ice in a damp towel, don't put it directly on your skin.
Aches and pains that have been around a little while should be treated with heat. This could be a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel, an electric heat pad or heat plasters.
Combine your hot/cold treatment with appropriate painkillers - ibuprofen, if you are able to take it, or paracetamol.
Here's our handy guide for ice and heat for you to download - Ice or Heat Handy Guide.