Please read Important Points to be Observed with all Treatments before performing this treatment.

Contraindications and Cautions

1. Obstructive circulatory disturbances

2. Diabetes

3. Peripheral vascular diseases

4. Any condition where circulation in feet and legs is poor (like extreme vascular disease of feet and legs) or where there is a loss of sensation (feeling) in feet or legs.

Definition

A local immersion bath covering the feet and ankles at temperatures ranging from 39-44°C / 103-110°F.

Equipment

1. Foot tub or container large enough and deep enough; 20 litre / 5 gallon can or dish pan may be used but water should be at least 10 cm / 4" deep. The deeper the water, the greater the heating effect.

2. Thermometer, if available; if not, test water with elbow; temperature 39° - 43°C / 103-110°F.

3. Sheet or bath blanket

4. Bath towel, cold compress if needed

5. Material for protection of bed (rubber sheet or plastic)

6. Pitcher or dipper to add hot water

7. Equipment for Fomentations and Cold Mitten Friction

Procedure

Important Considerations

• Do not use hot foot bath in peripheral vascular disease unless specifically ordered by the physician; and, if used, maximum temperature is usually 39°C / 110°F.

• Not recommended for frostbite

• When adding hot water, be careful not to burn the patient

Preparation for Treatment

• Explain procedure to patient

• Have room warm and free from drafts

• Assemble materials

• Protect bedding

• Have the patient drink warm or hot lemonade (lemon juice) before the bath

• Patient may be lying or sitting, properly draped, i.e. covered with a sheet then a blanket, mitred at neck, with a towel around the neck

Treatment

• Have water temperature 39° - 43°C / 103-110°F. and deep enough to cover a couple of inches above ankles.

• Assist the patient to place his feet in the tub; place your hand under his feet and into the water first to make sure the water is not too hot.

• Be sure the drape covers the tub

• Add hot water from time to time to increase the temperature gradually to 43°C / 110°F, of the hot foot bath; make sure you remove the feet first before adding the hot water or place one of your hands in the water between where you are pouring the water in and the patient's feet. Stir gently with your hand.

• Continue 10 - 20 minutes; check reaction for perspiration

• Use Cold Compress to head when sweating begins; renew often at least every 2 minutes and give water through a straw if sweating is continuing.

• Use the lying treatment with Fomentations

• Treat until sweating freely for 5 minutes - add hot water frequently

• When finished with treatment, pour cold or iced water over feet; remove from tub and rub and dry thoroughly

• Finished with Cold Mitten Friction or other quick cold treatment

Completion of Treatment

• Be sure patient is warm and comfortable

• Remove equipment.

• Record treatment, temperature, time and reaction.

• The patient should rest following the treatment for 30 minutes, warmly covered.