Paraffin Wax Bath Treatment for Arthritis

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From decades, Paraffin wax treatments are used to treat the joint pain and muscle pain. They are also used as a preservative for apples and chocolates, and as a beauty treatment. Paraffin wax bath treatment involves submersion of the painful foot, hand or elbow into a container having melted wax. The heat from the wax eases the pain and thereby gives relief. Arthritis is an aching chronic condition that involves inflammation of the joints. Since there is no treatment for arthritis, therapy is aimed to control the symptoms and maintain range of mobility and motion as much as possible. Paraffin wax treatmentscan effectively treat arthritis pain without any side effects.



Nowadays, many people suffer from arthritis, which is commonly seen in the fingers and hands. Arthritis can be very painful condition as it can cause the joints to wear down and even to become malformed. Also, it may keep you away from daily tasks. Proper identification of the specific type of arthritis is the first step that helps you to get the appropriate treatment. There are many medical treatments with the inclusion of medication that can reduce its effects. The American Society of Surgery of the Hands recommends paraffin baths as an easy way of treatment that is useful in alleviating the pain of arthritis.

Paraffin Wax

Paraffin wax is a white, tasteless, odorless solid having several practical applications, including heat retention and electrical insulation. Due to its low melting point, it does not adhere to skin that makes it perfect for hot wax treatments.

How to get Paraffin Wax Bath?

Paraffin wax baths are available in most grocery, pharmacy, department stores or beauty supply shops. You can also buy them from medical supply stores both online and offline. To heat up the wax, you can use a crockpot which you are not utilizing for food as the wax may be hard to dismount once it's melted. In place of paraffin bath equipment, if you use a crockpot then buy a meat or candy thermometer by which you can monitor the temperature while heating the wax. For aromatherapy benefits, you can add few drops of essential oils to liquid paraffin wax and also get benefits from the particular oils.

How it is used?

Place the paraffin wax in the bath or crockpot and melt it to a temperature of not more than 125⁰F to prevent burning of the skin. Before you dip your hands in it, include 1 oz. mineral oil and stir it together with a few drops of essential oil like lavender for aroma. Mineral oil will make the wax a bit thinner and let it to last for a little longer. First hold your hand straight above the bath and then immerse in it, spreading the fingers to coat the whole hand. Then, raise the hands and let the wax to dry for a few seconds. Dip again and repeat the same procedure for 5 to 10 times until the thickness that you want is achieved. Leave the wax on it for at least 20 minutes and then peel the wax off your hand.

You will need to immerse more times if you add mineral oil to the wax for making it thinner. Once you are immersing your hand, placing your hand in a plastic bag and then covering it with a cotton towel or oven mitt will preserve the heat longer. Experiment with how long to carry on the wax based on how it feels.
The paraffin bath equipment readily obtainable in stores is generally just big sufficient to place your hand in. Larger models are also available if you would like to utilize paraffin therapy for your feet, wrist or ankles. Remember that it takes few hours for wax to melt.

Benefits of Paraffin Wax Treatment in Arthritis:

Sometimes, joints become stiff and painful due to arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation claims that the application of heat can help to bring relief as it relaxes the muscles, loosens stiff joints and improves circulation. Applying heat on an arthritic joint can help to decrease pain and improve range of motion. Paraffin wax preserves heat for a prolonged period because of its thickness. Additionally, wax can also help to moisturize the skin and makes it softer. It also helps to sooth muscles that may have suffered from trauma. As well, it helps to decrease edema as well as inflammation. This cost effective method can help to decrease swelling particularly any that is related with traumatic injury to the ankle, foot, wrist or hand.

Cautions:

• Do not heat the wax at more than 125⁰F as your skin may become red, swollen, purple, dry, or develop blisters, hives or rashes.
• If you have open cuts, cracks, sores in the skin or any type of skin damage, then avoid paraffin wax treatments.
• Paraffin wax treatments do not treat arthritis; its benefits are only on temporary basis. So, it is essential to continue all other kinds of treatment that doctor recommends.
• People who suffer from hypertension, varicose veins, or diabetes should stay away from paraffin wax.

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