TRY HOT WATER

Rodney and Otamatea Times, Waitemata and Kaipara Gazette, 15 May 1912, Page 2

TRY HOT WATER

A writer on the subject of simple remedies for everyday ailments renders a public service in pointing out that while people may still rely upon arnica and other applications in the form of liniments in the treatment of bruises and sprains, that most efficient and simple remedy of all, hot water, is comparatively ignored. There is no medipine known that approaches it in value in" injuries such as those in which the skin is not broken. It is strange that this remedy is not more in vogue on the football and baseball fields, where bruises and sprains are frequent. Professional players are often disabled for weeks by effects which ought to be counteracted in a few days. If any injury is located to which that treatment; can be conveniently applied, as on the hand, the arm, or the leg, the affected parts should be instantly plunged into water as hot as can be borne, and kept there for halt j*i hour, and twice that length of time if the accident is serious. When the bath is discontinued the injured parts should have water dressings applied, and these, also, should be kept hot until all the tenderness has been drawn out. Bruises, wrenches, and sprains are more quickly cured in this way than b\ any other known means, and the sufferings of the patient are infinitely less than where liniments, lotions, &c, are used. In such injuries, after the soreness has been relieved, there is generally some swelling or puffiness of the parts to overcome, and it is in allaying thi* that the superiority of hot wate; treatment is markedly manifest.