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  3. Polymyalgia Rheumatica and GCA

Paraffin wax for hands?

Posted , 6 users are following.

SectionedThrice
SectionedThrice

I was diagnosed with PMR 22 months ago.  Still on 4.5 mg. of Medrol (prednisolone).  About 3 months ago my hands became a major complaint--stiff, swollen etc.  Has anyone tried a hot paraffin wax bath treatment with any good results?  Any other ideas?  I'm in the US

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Anhaga
    Anhaga SectionedThrice

    Posted

    How is your calcium-magnesium balance?  Sometimes on pred we end up taking too much calcium, and magnesium, which can do great things for us, goes awol.  That's why soaking in a bath with Epsom salts is good for us, we're absorbing magnesium through our skin.  Just a thought.  A bit more magnesium either through diet or a supplement may be helpful although the effects won't be a quick as a warm paraffin treatment.  My stepmother used to use these, and liked them.

  • dan38655
    dan38655 SectionedThrice

    Posted

    It shouldn't matter how you go about getting your hands thoroughly warmed up, I put my hands in a bowl of warm water when pmr affects my thumb joints.

    When I take a higher dosage of pred, my joint problems don't occur, but the required dose is somewhat variable over time, both up and down as the wind blows.

    • Anhaga
      Anhaga dan38655

      Posted

      I believe the advantage of the paraffin for my stepmother was that it somehow worked more effectively than water to warm the joints. I suppose it must have something to do with heat conductivity but I'm not a physicist.  But I admit to relying on water myself, easier.

  • shirley95254
    shirley95254 SectionedThrice

    Posted

    Yes I had one of those several years ago. It was good for hands. I used it back then for my kienbochs and left carpal tunnel. I lost it in as I moved from North to South Florida in2009. Dr. Use to rx them.not sure.think you may find in pharmacy now. Best regards for feeling less painful soon. SA
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