Heat and cold therapy are among the cheapest, quickest remedies for swelling and pain caused by knee arthritis. Heat therapy may include use of hot packs, paraffin wax, a heating pad or hot bath, while cold can be utilized by applying ice packs or submerging the legs in cold water. Heat therapy is most effective for soothing tired muscles and alleviating stiffness in joints, while cold therapy can be used to reduce inflammation and swelling.