Rheumatoid Vasculitis & Epsom Salts

[CHARLIE49]

Hi all,

I am currently having a bad flare and have been told that bath with Epsom Salts is a good way to relieve aches and pains. Has anyone else heard of this and, I know it sounds stupid, will it muck about with my meds??

Thanks

[Suzym2u Moderator Vasculitis UK]

I cannot see that it would interfere with your medication but I would still run it past your doctor first. It seems very popular at the moment and all the stores like Boots and Holland & Barratt sell them. It is also very popular with people like Victoria Beckham and Gwyneth Paltrow.

[Compo34 in reply to Suzym2u]

This was popular in the 1950s I remember my dad doing this and lots of other adults.

[PMRpro]

It depends on the cause of the aches and pain! It will relieve muscle aches and pains that are due to having a low level of magnesium in your body.

The level of magnesium in blood remains fairly constant, like calcium, but if the blood level falls then the body supplies it from muscle or bones - that's how osteoporosis develops in the case of calcium. So if that keeps happening, the amount of magnesium in the muscles can get low and that is one cause of muscle aches and cramps. Here in mainland Europe if you go to the doctor with cramp, the first thing they ask is "Have you tried magnesium?", you try that for a few days and if it works, all well and good, if it doesn't they look elsewhere. Apparently you can absorb some magnesium into your muscles from Epsom salts baths and it avoids the effect too much can have on your bowels (decidedly loosening, shall we say!).

I can't see it would hurt being used but maybe check with the pharmacist - and as I always say, the PHARMACIST and NOT the counter staff! It is always a good idea to ask the pharmacist about anything when you are on prescription drugs - or even mixing supplements of other sorts. All over mainland Europe people still go to spas, drinking and bathing in the water, and many are paid for by the state health cover for certain illnesses. Many have high levels of magnesium - Epsom salts are from a spring with water with a lot of magnesium sulphate.

If, as Suzy says, it's popular with Gwyneth Paltrow, I'd be sceptical but actually it is a treatment that has been used for thousands of years!

[CHARLIE49 in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks for your replies. I will definitely have a word with the pharmacist. I'll give anything a try if it makes me feel a little more human again

[PMRpro in reply to CHARLIE49]

Have you tried complementary therapies like massage (ask the experts here - is massage OK for you?) or Bowen therapy - which also gives you a lift I think, even if it doesn't necessarily help all the aches, though it may do. I'd be careful about something like aroma therapy though - not sure how that mixes with your medications.

[PhoebeO in reply to PMRpro]

Yes, I try and have a back massage once a month (which really helps!!). Will look into Bowen therapy - not heard of that one!!

[Compo34 in reply to PMRpro]

A very good response and so true!

[amms43]

As children, my sister and I used to go fox hunting which meant a long, cold and very energetic day with our ponies which had to be cleaned and dried when we got home followed by a long hot soak in a bath with Epsom salts to ward off the stiffness and aches and pains. It worked very well. I am just weaning off Pred after several years and I am glad you reminded me of this old remedy for muscular aches and pains! I might give it a try again myself! Of course ask your doctor first but good idea.

[AndrewT]

Dear CHARLIE49,

I have heard that Epsom Salts can help relax muscles, though I agree that a 'word' with your Doctors/Consultants, would probably be a good idea. This is NOT as stupid, as it sounds, as Magnesium-being soluble-can be lost from the body easily. In larger quantities Magnesium is a mild poison, hence why it gives you the-putting it politely- the poos! (A fact well worth knowing, by the way). The slight absorption, that might occur, when taking a bath could well be helpful- surly worth trying anyway.

Please do let us know CHARLIE, very best wishes from us all.

AndrewT

[Hidden]

I feel so inspired enough to be running a bath with E/S currently..experiencing some horrible claudication pain in L-leg.

[Mgtrob]

I have being having baths with epsom salts for years. You are advised not to use it if you have high blood pressure.

[Hidden]

Luckily, normal range Had a e/s plus lavender bath ☺️

[CHARLIE49]

Hi all. Thank you so much for your replies. My lovely wife has booked me in for a hot stone massage and I can't wait!!!! She looks after me well. I am popping to the chemist today re. Epsom salts. Already have the "poos" due to all the meds I take. Am also weaning off of pred. The joys!!!

Love and hugs to you all

[AndrewT in reply to CHARLIE49]

Great news CHARLIE49, hope all goes well, for you. Please do stay 'in touch'.

Best wishes AndrewT