Applying hot oil can alleviate joint pain when inflammation (swelling, heat, redness, stiffness) is absent. Use it two times daily, massaging a moderate amount onto the affected joint. For escalating or frequent pain, seek medical advice for diagnosis and suitable treatment.

Doctor Tu explains the health condition to a patient. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

While hot oil creates a localized sensation of warmth and numbness, providing temporary pain relief, this soothing effect does not address the underlying cause. This temporary relief can lead patients to overlook warning signs, potentially missing the golden window for effective treatment. Frequent use of hot oil can also lead to several complications:

Vasodilation: Excessive application or use on inflamed skin can trigger a thermal reaction, causing warming and vasodilation. This increased blood flow can worsen swelling and inflammation. In some cases, hot oil may cause skin irritation, burning, and ulceration.

Progression to chronic pain: If the true cause of acute pain is not identified and treated, it can easily become man tinh. Chronic pain significantly hinders recovery, potentially preventing the full restoration of function and severely impacting quality of life.

Conversely, cold compresses are often recommended for joint pain stemming from inflammatory conditions or acute injuries. If joint pain is due to acute flare-ups of inflammatory joint conditions like gout or rheumatoid arthritis, apply cold compresses. Low temperatures constrict blood vessels, reduce blood flow, and decrease inflammation at the treated areas, thereby providing rapid pain relief. Cold compresses are also effective for pain relief in cases of injuries (without open wounds) such as sprains, swelling, or muscle tears. If joint pain results from these injuries, you should apply cold compresses within 48 hours.

Master, Doctor Nguyen Van Tu

Department of Internal Medicine and Musculoskeletal

Tam Anh General Hospital TP HCM