Wax baths were used extensively when I first qualified, nearly 30 years ago, to help with hand and finger arthritis. Patients found them very helpful if they used them regularly. They were later phased out of clinics because of cost and infection control issues, but you can now buy them for home use.

These small wax baths are big enough for two hands or two feet, and can give effective therapeutic pain relief if you use them regularly.

What I like

• Warm wax gives gentle, deep heat that can ease painful, stiff hands and make movement and exercise easier
• Big enough for two hands or two feet
• Adjustable temperature control
• Comes with two blocks of wax (2 x 450 g, orange scented) and plastic liners
• Practical for home use, so you can use it regularly
• Also leaves the skin soft

Things to know

• Wax is hot. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, let the wax reach the right temperature, and don’t use it if it’s overheated.
• Don’t use it if your skin is broken, infected, inflamed or has a rash, or if you have reduced sensation in your hands or feet, since you might not feel a burn.
• Don’t use it on a hot, swollen or newly injured joint.
• Keep it clean. Use a fresh liner each time, and only use the wax for yourself. Don’t share wax between people.
• Heat eases symptoms for a while, so it works best if you move the hand or do your exercises straight afterwards.
• Evidence for wax baths in hand arthritis is limited, with some short-term benefit for stiffness and pain, particularly when combined with exercise. Think of it as a comfort measure.
• It needs space and time to set up and clean up, and it isn’t for everyone.

Who it suits: people with hand and finger arthritis (and stiff, achy feet) who find warmth helpful and are happy to use a bath regularly at home.

Read my article on hand and finger arthritis or watch my video.