I love the relaxing sound of rain. Guess that’s why the west coast of Florida is known as’the retirement community’ of America. It’s just soooooo relaxing - especially during the months of June, July, August, September and October - our rainy season.
Usually this season will consist of one hour of heavy rain each day. The rest of the day is warm and sunny. Unless, that is, if a storm is brewing in the Gulf of Mexico. Many of those storms turn into tropical waves that can spread damp clouds across the entire state for days at a time. It is those days that cause havoc with my knees.
It is on those days, when my osteoarthtiris takes over, that I take control by reaching for my jar of Icy Hot.
Icy Hot works in two ways. First the icy cool cream reduces swelling and eases pain. Secondly, as the cream penetrates the skin, the heat relaxes the muscles.
Okay, so you’re probably wondering what muscles relaxation has to do with osteoarthritis which is a bone condition.
For those who have this condition, there is no need to explain - but for those who don’t, this is what happens.
With osteoarthritis the cushioning cartilage attached to the bones in the joint begins to weaken. This is due to over-use, trauma and/or age.(all of which I have) As the pain increases, it’s the body’s reflex to tighten your muscles in that area.(Think about it! When you experience pain, the first thing you do is take a deep breath and tighten and constrict your muscles.) Therefore, your pain is doubled.
With Icy Hot’s active ingredients of menthol and methyl salicylate, you actually get the doubled relief you need.
I rub this wonderful cream into the joints and lightly wrap them.(I do this more to keep the excess cream from wiping off.)
Within seconds, I feel the cooling relief of the menthol working on the swelling of my knees thereby reducing the friction of the rubbing bones. As this pain ebbs, I feel the the methyl salicylate beginning to send a steadier, oxygen-rich flow of blood to the surrounding muscles, creating a warm sensation which aids in muscle relaxation thereby taking away the achy stiffness.
Anyone who has ever’pulled a muscle’ knows just how achy and painful it can be. Now add to that, the pain of two bones rubbing together! OUCH!
Well, no more’ouch’ for me!
Within minutes, I begin to feel a great reduction in the pain that had stiffened my legs. I am able, once again, to walk, sit, stand and bend my knees without pain.
So now during Florida’s rainy season, my medicine cabinet is never without Icy Hot. - And neither am I!