Original Research Article
Year: 2023 | Month: September | Volume: 13 | Issue: 9 | Pages: 137-149
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20230921
A Comparative Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Epsom Salt with Hot Water Versus Plain Water on Pain and Functional Performance Among Arthritis Patients at Selected Hospital, Udaipur
Dinesh Chandra Damor1, Jitendra Pujari2, M.U Mansuri3, Vijay Singh Rawat4
1II year M. Sc Nursing student, 2Professor and Guide, Professor & Dean, Principal;
1,2,3,4Venkteshwar College of Nursing, Sai Tirupati University, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India
Corresponding Author: Jitendra Pujari
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Arthritis profoundly impacts an individual's daily life and overall well-being, with knee joint pain being a predominant reason for seeking treatment. One prevalent form of arthritis, osteoarthritis (OA), often stems from the aging process, particularly affecting the elderly population, detrimentally influencing health and quality of life. Joint pain and stiffness, intensifying with age, are primary arthritis symptoms. While no absolute cure exists for most arthritis types, personalized treatments can alleviate or even eliminate symptoms, enhancing functional capacity. Epsom salt, characterized by anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, emerges as a side-effect-free pain relief option and complementary alternative medicine. It’s easy availability and affordability further recommend it as a home remedy for arthritis patients.
Methodology: A study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Epsom salt with hot water compared to plain water for pain reduction and functional enhancement in arthritis patients at a selected Udaipur hospital. Employing purposive sampling, 60 arthritis patients were divided into two groups: one treated with Epsom salt and hot water (30 participants) and the other with Epsom salt and plain water (30 participants). The interventions spanned 10 days, administered twice daily. Data collection encompassed socio-demographic and clinical variables, the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), and a modified WOMAC index. Pre- and post-intervention data were gathered via interviews and analyzed descriptively and inferentially.
Results: revealed Epsom salt with hot water effectively reduced pain and improved function. Post-test scores showed mean pain values of 5.35 (SD 1.729) for Epsom salt with hot water and 6.47 (SD 1.756) for plain water. Unpaired t-test (t=2.519, p=.015*) favored Epsom salt for pain reduction. In functional performance, hot water group mean was 31.90±11.874; plain water was 41.03±9.654. The unpaired t-test (t=3.269, p=.002*) showed potential for functional enhancement. Gender and family osteoarthritis history linked to Epsom salt group's post-test pain; plain water had no links. Pain-function correlation significantly associated in both groups.
Conclusion: arthritis reduces quality of life and function, driving diverse strategies for pain relief and functionality. The study confirms Epsom salt with hot water effectively reduces pain and may enhance function in arthritis patients. This highlights its worth as a non-pharmacological method for nurses and health workers to ease arthritis-related discomfort.
Key words: Pain, Functional Performance, Osteoarthritis, Epsom salt, Elderly.