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A member asked:
Re the issue of ice pack vs heat pack for someone with costochrondritis?tried a heat pack - disappointed, ice pack seems better, what does each offer?
9 doctors weighed in across 4 answers
No preference medica: it used to be part of the dogma of medicine that cold was to be used the first 48 hours after an injury, and heat after that. It was argued that after an injury heat would add to the inflammatory response and would make symptoms worse. The science has not held up, however! Whatever feels better to you should be used. No choice is wrong?
Answered 5/20/2015
2.8k views
Ice..,: costochondritis is often helped w/ NSAIDs ( Ibuprofen , for example) and ice packs or ice massage to the affected rib, especially when symptoms are of recent origin or after exercise . Ice 'vasoconstricts' ( decreases size of blood vessels ) and thus often improves the swelling associated w/ costochondritis. Additionally it may help to 'numb' the affected area and lessen the pain . Best of Luck!
Answered 5/17/2015
2.8k views
Costochondritis : Ice and anti inflammatory medications ( brufen ) are recommended for costochondritis.
Answered 12/13/2017
450 views
Maybe ice pack: Ice and antiinflammatories if appropriate/medically indicated are the usual recommendations. Heat pack may help too according to some authorities. Is a frustrating condition as can linger for some time and most of the treatments we have are to take the edge off/make it tolerable rather than take it away. If severe/unrelenting pain may be worth further assessment to double check the diagnosis
Answered 12/13/2017
447 views
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