Can it be prevented
Maintain your ideal weight: Increased weight on the load-bearing joints, like knees, ankles and hips, makes you highly susceptible to osteoarthritis. Losing weight cuts the risk of arthritis.
Exercise regularly: Try to exercise at least 20 minutes for three days a week if exercise is vigorous, or 30 minutes of moderate exercise five days a week. Practice yoga or simple stretching. These exercises strengthen the muscles around joints.
Quit smoking, as it weakens bone health…
Are you confused as to when to use Ice Pack and when to use Heat to deal with pain, injury and inflammation? This infographic below sums it up quite simply.
According to Dr. Bhuvaneswari, a quick guideline to follow is:
Ice pack is preferred if it is a recent and acute pain episode especially injury which may be a blood clot, muscle tear or tendon tear. For instance most sport and exercse injuries.
Heat or warmth for Chronic pain with stiffness, especially joint related pain as in Arthritis.
And watch out for Paraffin wax treatments. They can cause burns as well.
For the options of heat and ice packs and other tips, refer to the full article at https://health.clevelandclinic.org/2014/08/should-you-use-ice-or-heat-for-pain-infographic/amp/