This does make a lot of sense to me. When my RA flares I crave heat on my joints. However once when I used a padded hot water bottle on my flared wrists the arthritis went crazy and I was up all night with the worst flare I've ever had. My hand has never been the same shape since! Maybe this is because I have small fiber neuropathy alongside RA?

Be careful of too hot
 

Yes, I had to experiment and find the right level of warm water.

I craved hot baths. Since nerve problems can also feel like joint and muscle problems, a hot bath would feel good while I was in it, but then I would have a rebound when I got out and get more problems. However, just the right warmth would relax me. Several doctors really warned me about too hot of baths (which I used to love).

Also, experiment to find the right amount of epsom salts. Some say that people generally don't use enough, however, once I used too much and didn't feel too great. I cut back a little and found the right amount for me. (Sorry can't remember amounts now).

Hope this helps.

Natalie

Yes I agree Natalie ive always loved hot baths -especially when the RA was bad as I would get awful chills. Now I have Raynauds in my toes so a warm bath helos but a lovely hot bath has had to become a thing of the past sadly as it acts like a broken thermostat on my small nerve fibers all night. :eek: