Hot water bottle Vs ice pack

I use Voltarol.

The cold helps the swelling subside, could you put the icepacks into a pillow case?

I have arthritis in my hip and like Jax use Voltarol. The 12 hr one.

Alternate …ice pack first then heat.

I always do heat for pain and cold for swelling

When I have a really painful back flare-up I resort to naproxen and/or paracetamol and a warm bath or 20 mins with a hot water bottle. I also abandon physio exercises for a day or two.

I swear by Voltarol, but the GP has decided not to give it to me because I have asthma. I told him that I was fine with it but for some reason , he won't prescribe it. Can you buy it without a prescription, the 12 hour tablet ?

Ice packs, very soothing

crazyH. Voltarol 12 hr is in tube. You can buy it over the counter at a chemist.

Thanks muse ?

Try the Boots generic ointment 'max strength ibuprofen' (compare ingredients on pack). I find it every bit as effective and much cheaper. They often do 3 for 2 offers.

Packet of frozen peas is the way to go. Sitting here with some on my knee right now

I never could get on with icepacks- heat for me every time.

I've always understood that you alternate ice packs and hot water bottles.