Sore muscles can spell misery, that’s for sure! What spells relief? Well, a nice, warm heating pad can, especially when the sore area is a large area, like the back, stomach or legs. Many people know that a heating pad can give them comfort but lots of people don’t know that a heating pad can burn you – or even electrocute you!
It’s a little known fact that heating pads, when used improperly, cause many accidents in a year. Heating pads, although rare, can cause everything from minor burns to major injuries – even death. Knowing how to properly operate a heating pad is very important if you intend to use one, for yourself or someone you love.
One thing many people mistakenly do is fall asleep with the heating pad on. This is not advisable. Heating pads can get too hot, and catch fire, when people fall asleep with them. Today’s heating pads usually have an automatic shut-off, which allows you to use the pad for a limited amount of time, before it shuts off by itself. These are much safer than the ones that stay on until you manually shut them off.
Many people suffer burns or blistering because of using the heating pad too long. Leaving the pad in one place for a long period of time puts you at risk for burns or blisters. Always place a towel or something similar on the skin before laying the heating pad in the needed area. The towel will protect your skin. If the heating pad is one that is already covered in cloth raise it and check the skin under the pad frequently, to make sure you are not blistering.
Always start with the lowest setting and turn up the heat only if needed. Many people think they’ll only get relief if they use the pad at maximum heat levels. Not true. Sometimes only a little heat is needed to relax a sore muscle and feel relief. Set the temperature, place on sore area for five minutes, then decide if you need to adjust the temperature.
It’s not advisable to use the heating pad on someone who cannot communicate with you, like a baby or an invalid. They cannot tell you if the heating pad is getting too hot. Whether the person can communicate or not, never use the heating pad on anyone who has poor circulation or diabetes. Also, don’t consider using a heating pad on sensitive areas, like the face.
Never use a heating pad where oxygen is being administered. Even if the oxygen is only being stored it’s not advisable to use the pad nearby. Never use anything metallic – like pins – to hold the heating pad in place.
Heating pads which are plastic need to be used with a towel or other cover. Small heating pads can be slipped into a pillowcase and placed on the needed area. The pillowcase can then be removed and washed when needed.
Always place the heating pad on top of a sore muscle; never sit or lay on it. Heating pads contain electrical wires inside. If these wires break they pose a fire hazard. Sitting or laying on the pad can easily cause damage to the wires. Never fold the heating pad, either. The wires are at risk if the pad is folded when in use – or when being stored.
If the plastic cover of the heating pad becomes torn or worn it’s time to throw it away. Don’t risk serious injury by continuing to use a heating pad that is showing tears in the outer cover, or one that has even a small portion of a wire exposed.
Get relief from sore muscles by using a heating pad on them but always make sure you’re safe while using them. Carefully follow the rules for using a heating pad and carefully examine the pad before each use.
Reference:
- Purchase heating pads here: www.ebay.com
