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When the feet are in hot water, the blood which is congesting distant parts of the body is brought to the dilated vessels in the feet and legs. Congestion of the brain, lungs, abdominal and pelvic organs can be relieved in this manner.
Definition – local immersion bath covering the feet and ankles at temperatures ranging from 100° to 115° F. (43°C- 46°C )
A. PHYSIOLOGIC EFFECTS
- Both local and reflex increase in blood flow through the feet and entire skin surface, relieving congestion in internal organs and brain (derivative effect).
- Elevation of body temperature, a general warming of the body.
- Relaxation of tense muscles.
- Increased white blood cell activity.
B. INDICATIONS
- Cold feet
- Colds, both threatened and developed, chest congestion, flu, coughs, pelvic inflammatory disease.
- Headache
- Pelvic congestion (cramps), hemorrhoids, prostate problems.
- Pain anywhere in the body from toothache to backache.
- Preparation for general application of heat.
- Local inflammation of the feet – stimulates local defense against infection.
C. CONTRAINDICATIONS (symptoms where remedy is inadvisable)
- Buerger’s disease
- Diabetes which is insulin dependent.
- Arteriosclerosis.
- Any condition where circulation in the feet and legs is poor, such as severe vascular disease of the feet and legs, or a loss of sensation in the feet or legs.
D. EQUIPMENT
1. Foot tub or container large and deep enough; five
gallon container may be used.
2. Thermometer; if none is available, test the water with the hand. Water
temperature should be
100° to 115° F. (43°C- 46°C )
3. Sheet and blanket.
4. Heavy towel and washcloth for cold compress.
5. Material for protection of the bed, if needed.
6. Pitcher or dipper to add hot water.
7. Pitcher of ice water.
E. PROCEDURE
Important Considerations
- Do not use hot foot bath on patients with diabetes
or peripheral vascular disease unless the temperature is low; maximum
103 ° F (39°C)
b. Not recommended for frostbite except where the temperature is not above 103° F (39°C) - Be careful to not burn the patient when adding hot water
Preparation for Treatment
- Explain procedure to the patient
- Have room warm and free of drafts
- Assemble the materials
- Protect the bedding, if needed
- Patient may be lying or sitting and must be properly drape
- Water
Treatment
- Drape the two blankets over a chair or spread on a bed
- Fill bucket with water 100° F to 115° F(43°C- 46°C ) high enough to cover ankles
- Assist patient in undressing and wrap in sheet
- Wrap towel around patient's neck to catch sweat and prevent escape of body heat
- Assist patient to place feet in tub. Reassure patient by putting your hands in the water first
- Wrap the blankets one at a time around the patient, enclosing the tub to allow heat to build up
- Add hot water as patient can tolerate it, up to 120° F (49°C)
- Continue treatment for 5-30 minutes as needed
- Use cold compress to head when oral temperature exceeds 100° F (38°C), or when patient begins sweating. Renew the compress often.
- Water
Completion of Treatment
- Raise feet out of tub, pour ice water over the feet, dry feet, legs and thighs, dress in bed clothes
- Put on thick, warm socks and rest in bed for at least 30 minutes