Rheumatoid arthritis: failure of daily heat therapy to affect its progression
Mainardi, C.L.; Walter, J.M.; Spiegel, P.K.; Goldkamp, O.G.; Harris, E.D.
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 60(9): 390-393
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-9993 PMID: 496603 Document Number: 145251
Seventeen volunteers with symmetrical rheumatoid arthritis (RA) applied heat to 1 hand twice daily for 2 years. Joint swelling, joint tenderness and grip strength were measured at intervals. The proliferative aspect of the disease was assessed by roentgenograms using a scoring system. There was no difference between experimental hand and control hand in any of the factors measured. The patients found the heat soothing and comforting. Thus, daily heat therapy did not accelerate the proliferative lesion in RA and may remain as an adjunct to therapy.