Bleeds and the damage caused by them result in pain. You can significantly improve your life by recognizing different types of pain, how to deal with it, and how to avoid it.

Pain is how your body reacts to an injury or illness. It’s a sign that something’s wrong. It’s the body’s way of saying, “Pay attention to where you hurt.”

Each person responds differently to therapy. This means that some pain relief techniques will work for you and others may not. Various topical anesthetics are available that can ease the infusion process, but remember never to take aspirin, since it affects platelets in the blood and can cause bleeding.

Follow your doctor’s advice about how much and when to take your medication. If the label says, “Do not take on an empty stomach,” take that warning seriously. Keep a record of how well the medication worked. How long were you comfortable afterward? Did it make you sleepy? Did you have any other sort of reaction to it?

Hot and cold treatments can help. Cold packs numb the sore area and can reduce swelling. Heat treatments can relax your muscles. Use either for only 10 to 15 minutes at a time, and always put a towel between your skin and the pack.