Can hot tubs help for RA
Hi,
I joined here for my elder sister. She is suffering from RA. She is only in her late 30s.
Last year she had severe aches in the joints especially in the knees and was diagnosed with RA. She is undergoing medication and therapies.
Recently, I read an article on benefits of hot tubs. It has mentioned that hot tub baths can help easing pain and reducing inflammation by increasing the blood circulation in the body. http://www.ferraripools.com/blog/hot-tub/6-health-benefits-sitting-hot-tub/ It is also a stress reliever, as my sister is very sad about her health.
I would like to know if anyone has tried sitting in hot tubs and felt a difference. Can it be done in the home? Need your help and support.
Hi aspiring3001! I think it's wonderful that you are such an advocate for your sister! I know that some of our members find heat to really help with their RA-related pain. Namely, hot showers and baths. If it's financially feasible, I think a hot tub is not a bad idea. However, your sister should check with her rheumatologist and she should not use the hot tub alone. Due to the high temperatures, it can be easy to become overly fatigued or weak in a hot tub. Also, if she is using public hot tubs, I would want to make sure she is using regularly cleaned and monitored tubs to decrease exposure to germs and bacteria. I wanted to share a list of some of our favorite reader tips that you and your sister might find helpful -- https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/community-feedback-combatting-ra-pain-and-stiffness/. Thank you for taking the time to reach out on your sister's behalf! Best, Erin, RheumatoidArthritis.net Team Member.
Hi aspiring3001 -
I agree with DesertStormTrooper that hot tubs can be fantastic! Though, of course, there can often be an issue with being able to afford one at home. If that is the case for you and your sister, I might recommend a hot Epsom salt bath as an alternative. Epsom salts are made from magnesium sulfate, and when that mineral is absorbed through the skin it draws toxins from the body, sedates the nervous system, reduces swelling, relaxes muscles, and more. I personally think it helps, and Epsom salts can be purchased cheaply from your local grocery store or drug store (I buy mine in bulk at Costco because I so often depend on Epsom salt baths!)
Best of luck and thank you for being so sensitive to your sister's needs.
~Mariah~ (Site Moderator)
Hey all,
I would think that a smaller version of a hot tub treatment could be used on those days when it is more painful for the hands or feet?
Could you just use something smaller, pail, dish pan or so on to soak the tootsies or hands and wrists in at the end of a hard day?
If anything, it would at least feel nice, warm and comforting.
Hello I have a walk in bath tub and couldn't be with out one. Not only for safe bathing but for not feeling the pain when I am in it. It last for a few hours and just feels so much better. Not a cure all but it sure feels wonderful.
