Product Spotlight: Reduce Arthritic Aches and Pains with FlexEze Heat Patches

Our joints and muscles experience colossal wear-and-tear damage every day if not nurtured as nature intended. Because most of us lead busy lives, we often forget to do things that our body tells us. We neglect signals to rest, and instead, we push on, expecting our body to follow suit. Nevertheless, our bodies are not machines and they need to be tended to. Without proper care, we can develop serious conditions that may lead to chronic pain. One of the most common conditions is arthritis.

Arthritis is a painful, debilitating condition that affects approximately 3.85 million people in Australia. If you do the math, that means about one in five Australians are suffering from arthritis. Osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis, is caused by the deterioration of cartilage in your joints. If left untreated for a long period of time, cartilage may completely disappear, resulting in bone-on-bone grinding. This can produce a great deal of pain and cause many sufferers from participating in any physical activity.

There are a variety of risk factors for arthritis, including genetics, age, gender, previous joint injury and obesity. Obviously, the more pressure you put on your joints could lead to injury and the development of arthritic pain. While there are many medications for the treatment of arthritis, one holistic method is heat therapy.

FlexEze heat patches are approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and utilised in many major hospitals across Australia. Designed to relieve arthritic pain, FlexEze patches can produce soothing, consistent heat for up to 12 hours!

How to Use FlexEze

Using a FlexEze heat patch or wrap has never been easier. Once it’s peeled open, the patch self-activates when exposed to the air. As a rule of thumb, you should wait about 20 minutes to allow the patch to reach its maximum temperature before applying it to the affected area. While you can apply the patch directly to your skin, you also have the option of inserting it into a reusable body wrap to place around the back, leg, arm or any other area.

If you’re looking for a joint or muscle pain remedy, try FlexEze. These heat wraps are made without any harsh chemicals, so you can rest easy knowing you are using a drug-free, natural heat therapy solution. Available in pharmacy or your local physio, osteo or kiro, FlexEze is a great solution for those suffering from arthritis, chronic back pain, menstrual cramping or other aches. Not convinced? FlexEze is the No. 1 heat patch used in hospitals across Australia and trusted by many health professionals!

Have you tried using FlexEze to alieve some of your pains? How did it work for you? Leave your answers in the comments!

How to Manage Chronic Ankle Instability

Ever feel like your ankles are constantly aching? While you may just shrug it off as a common nuisance, there may be a deeper problem. Your ankles are the foundation for any physical activity because they support your weight, provide balance and help you walk. Day in and day out, your ankles take a beating. From walking and standing to running and jumping, your ankles are under a tremendous amount of pressure each day.

If you are prone to regular ankle pain, it may be a sign of chronic ankle instability.

Ankle instability arises from the weakening and recurring unsteadiness of the lateral or outer side of the ankle. If you’ve suffered from multiple strains or sprains and experience the recurring “giving way” of your ankle, you may have chronic ankle instability. However, this condition can be treated. Before we dive into the treatment options, let’s take a look at some of the most common symptoms:

• Lateral (outer) ankle pain
• Trouble walking
• Instability or wobbliness
• Swelling
• Consistent dull aches
• Stiffness
• Frequent ankle sprains and strains

If you experience these symptoms, it’s recommended to consult your physician or health professional for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment for Chronic Ankle Instability

Treating chronic ankle instability begins with a few different nonsurgical remedies. First things first, stay off your feet for a while! Your ankles need rest just as much as the rest of your body. After that, a combination of physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications or bracing can assist in ankle pain relief.

The most popular treatment option is using a corrective brace like the Thermoskin AFG Stabiliser. A high-quality brace will help keep your ankle from rolling and giving way. Wearing a brace can also work as a preventative measure as it will help provide support and prevent sprains. Whether you’re an athlete or just need something to wear around the house daily, this will grant much-needed support while maintaining your range of motion.

However, some patients with extreme ankle pain or a high level of instability may require surgery. This means a surgeon will have to repair or partially reconstruct weakened ligaments inside the ankle. Most of the time, chronic ankle instability may be alleviated with the above nonsurgical solutions.

Is it preventable?

As always, most injuries are easily preventable and chronic ankle pain is no exception. Strengthening your ankle and foot muscles is imperative to avoid injury and developing this condition. You may also try using resistance training bands to increase your ankle flexibility, improve muscle strength and restore joint position. Remember to always wear appropriate footwear when participating in any physical activity and know when to put your feet up and rest!

How do you manage your chronic ankle instability? Tell us in the comments or search all of our foot and ankle supports.