Hot Foot Bath

HYD

Water Temp : 39.5 - 43.5°C / 103-110°F

A local immersion bath covering the feet and ankles at temperatures ranging from 39° - 43°C / 103-110°F.

To provide local and reflex increase in blood flow through the feet and entire surface, producing decongestion in internal organs and brain (derivative effect).
1. to relieve congestive headache
2. to relieve chest congestion
3. to relieve pelvic congestion
To provide general warming of the body
1. to prepare patient for general application of heat
2. to prepare patient for tonic procedures
3. to produce sweating (when prolonged)
4. to help prevent or abort a cold
To aid relaxation and comfort
To provide a treatment for local inflammation of the feet
Increase white blood cell activity

Obstructive circulatory disturbances
Diabetes
Peripheral vascular diseases
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.

Foot tub or container large enough and deep enough; five gallon can or dish pan may be used but water should be at least 10 cm deep.
Thermometer, if available; if not, test water with elbow; temperature 39° - 43°C / 103-110°F.
Sheet or bath blanket
Turkish towel, cold compress if needed
Material for protection of bed (rubber sheet or plastic)
Pitcher or dipper to add hot water
Equipment for Fomentations and Cold Mitten Friction if needed

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

Explain procedure to patient
Have room warm and free from draft
Assemble materials
Protect bedding
If sweating is desired, have the patient drink warm or hot water 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

The patient can be lying or sitting
Have the patient properly draped
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 - 30 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.
When finished with treatment, pour cold or iced water over feet; remove from tub and rub and dry thoroughly
If patient is perspiring, give an AlcoholSponge or other cooling treatment over the whole body and dry thoroughly when finished.
The hot foot bath is commonly given in conjunction with other methods.

Give follow-up care as prescribed.
Be sure patient is warm and comfortable
Remove equipment.
Record treatment, temperature, time and reaction.
The patient should rest lightly covered following the treatment for 10 - 30 minutes so as to get rid of body heat and not perspire after getting dressed and leaving the building.

(Thanks to Lesley)