Use of heating pad for arthritis

[xxbreezy]

I have used a heating pad to help relieving the pain in my back right shoulder cradle.  On my last doctors visit, yesterday and not for arthritis, the doctor noticed skin damage because of using the heating pad. I have since quite using the heating pad and wondered if the damaged skin will heal?  It looks terrible and had no idea continued or wrong use of a heating pad could do such damage to my skin.  Any help answering this question would be appreciated!!!

[mommy52]

I used it after neck surgery and am in the process of W/C approving for knee. (whi knows how long that will take). Does great if you use it as prescribed and not for any longer. True it feels great when the stimulations are striking . I would turn as high as I could tolerate. Whe stopped, I would start again. One afternoon I used for probably 3 hours straight. The next am, it was like I had experienced a set back. I felt like I had been literally beat, From then on I used it like the MD ordered and no more. It really helped. That is why I asked MD if might help knee and than I could also use on neck. They say nurses make the worst patients. That's not true-- doctor's do. Nurses fall right in there behind the docs. Right now nothing is helping the pain. Goes down arm and had to hold a glass. The only thing tht comes close to helping is to take the 2 Lortab 7.5 tabs as prescribed and spray with StoPain or rub with anythimg near BS table. Sometimes I wish I could fill the tub with StoPain and relax in it, but that would only a more serious problem. When I take the Lortab,then I want o get up and clean, but unable to. After about 1 to 1 1/2 hrs after taling I itch for almost an hour or until I fall asleep, but that is the only thing that is even close to easing where I can get a few winks. Until a miracle cure is discovered- I'' hang in there by my tail like taht cat does. Cheers to all.   Madlyn

[txsilver]

I have heard of the TENS unit but have never talked to anyone using one.  What is it like?  How well does it work?  How long can you wear it?  What is the biggest advantage?  What is the biggest challenge?

[Lizza258]

any one ever try using a TENS unit.  I have one and I love it.  It helps with the pain.

[mommy52]

My aunt made mea "Dr Feelgood" She actually made it using a clean end of a tube sock. She filled it with rice and sewed the end. Heat in microve as Dnmh suggested, or I sometimes I place in freezer if I need cold. It fits great around neck and will actually elp my neck for a while.

[txsilver]

Great tip!  Will have to try that!  

[Dnmh]

You can actually make them too. I just sew a "pillow" out of fleece and fill it with barley. Microwave for about 1 minute - depending on your microwave - and they work great! I have a few different sizes and use them for almost everything, including migraines!

[txsilver]

There are some wonderful wraps you can use that are microwaveable.  I know they make a huge difference for me.  the thermacare wraps and comparable products work wonders, too.

[Dnmh]

I'm not 100% positive, and I'm not a doctor, but it's almost like a sunburn so depending on the severity of the damage, it may or may not heal. Did you doctor give any indication as to the degree of the burns? That would give you an idea on the healing process. I would suggest that if you need to use heat, take a hand towel and get it wet with really warm (not hot) water and place it on your shoulder after its wrung out. I use cold packs first when my pain is bad because arthritis is an inflammatory diesease, and heat makes inflamation worse. I actually treat it like a sprained muscle... cold for a day on and off, then the heat.