Heat or Ice for Arthritis [Video]
Ask the Expert: Arthritis Video Series
About the video: Is heat or ice better for arthritic joints?
If you’re sore or stiff and wondering whether to use a heat or an ice pack, you’re not alone. It is a very common question. Listen to Summit Orthopedics’ experts share the insights they’ve gained in their years caring for those struggling with arthritis symptoms. Featuring arthritis specialists, Peter Daly, M.D., Dane Hansen, D.O., and Matthew Nies, M.D.
Meet Peter Daly, M.D.
Dr. Daly’s approach:“I understand the concern of athletes to get back to their sport. And I work in combination with our therapists to get them fully active.”
Dr. Daly’s education: Dr. Daly received his undergraduate degree at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana and continued to Mayo Medical School in Rochester, MN for his medical degree. Following his residency at the Orthopedic Surgery Mayo Graduate School of Medicine, he received advanced specialization training in the Rowe Shoulder Fellowship at Harvard University, Boston, MA.
Meet Dane Hansen, D.O.
Dr. Hansen’s approach: “Arthritis patients have high expectations for their activity level. With advanced training in minimally invasive surgical techniques and quick-recovery joint replacement, I strive to help my patients return to their fully active lifestyle as quickly as possible.”
Dr. Hansen’s education: Dr. Hansen received his undergraduate degree from Bethel University in Saint Paul, Minnesota. He went to medical school at Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Des Moines, Iowa. his residencywas at Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine / Doctors Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. He has a fellowship in Adult Joint Reconstruction from Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois. A fellowship is the highest level of formal training for a surgeon.
When to seek treatment for your arthritis
Arthritis doesn’t have to spell the end of an active life. If you are experiencing worrisome symptoms or persistent pain, the renowned arthritis specialists at Summit Orthopedics can help. We work with you to confirm a diagnosis and develop an appropriate conservative treatment plan. If nonsurgical treatments fail to support your lifestyle goals, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons will consult with you and discuss appropriate surgical options. Summit is home to innovative joint replacement options. Our Vadnais Heights Surgery Center is one of only two surgery centers nationally to receive The Joint Commission’s Advanced Certification for Total Hip and Total Knee Replacement.
Start your journey to healthier joints. Find your arthritis expert, request an appointment online, or call us at (651) 968–5201 to schedule a consultation.
Summit has convenient locations across the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin. We have state-of-the-art centers for comprehensive orthopedic care in Eagan, MN, Plymouth, MN, Vadnais Heights, MN, and Woodbury, MN, as well as additional community clinics throughout the metro and southern Minnesota.
More articles on arthritis care
- Ask Dr. Hansen: Separating Arthritis Myths From Facts
- Watch the video: Does exercise help or hurt my arthritis?
Additional resources for you
- Discover Summit’s comprehensive arthritis care
- Take a free hip or knee risk assessment
Video Transcription
A lot of people ask me about whether they should apply heat or they should apply ice. And I oftentimes use the analogy of a racehorse, that if you are trying to warm up and be more active, then the racehorse warms up before the race and cools down after the race. So generally speaking, you might put a heating pad or some warm pack on the shoulder before you start your exercise. And when you’re done, you apply an ice pack. You cool it down after the activity. I think for arthritis, I think ice is typically the most beneficial. Heat can help with achiness or with tight muscles, which also can come along with arthritis. But for, you know, kind of the true swollen, painful joint, ice typically is a good starting point. Try them both and see what works better, and kind of go from there. And preferentially use one that works better, but either one can and would be helpful to different patients.
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Peter Daly, M.D.
“I understand the concern of athletes to get back to their sport. And I work in combination with our therapists to get them fully active.”
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