“Cold slows down blood flow to an injury, thereby reducing pain and swelling. Cold therapy slows circulation. It should be used if the area is swollen or bruised.” “Compression stockings are used to help increase circulation. This helps swelling.”
How comes these two are true at the same time? I have reactive arthritis and my feet are swollen after long days especially when I stand up or walk a lot. I've read that poor blood circulation causes this and shifting between cold and hot water improves blood circulation. Normally I avoid hot water because it triggers my inflammation, it definitely makes it worse and cold is always good. Anyway, I tried it and I ended with ice compress after massaging in hot water. It didn't reduce swelling at all, it just made it worse. People also say that I should try compression socks for my swollen feet, but I am suspicious about it. If it increases the blood circulation it can't be good for me. Cold slows down the blood circulation and I know it is good for me. So, what is this all about poor circulation, swelling, inflammation, cold treatment thing? I can't make connection. Which one is good? Slowing down the circulation or increasing the circulation? Ice or compression socks? Elevating also is certainly good for me as I experienced.
