The effect of local thermotherapy on pain severity in patients with chronic peripheral arterial occlusive disorders

This study aimed to examine the effect of local thermotherapy on pain severity in patients with chronic peripheral arterial occlusive disorders. Background. Chronic peripheral arterial occlusive disorders are among the most commonly and disturbing diseases which mainly affect the lower extremities. Chronic peripheral arterial occlusive disorders are the most common causes of disability. Many of patients with chronic peripheral arterial occlusive disorder suffer from pain. In this randomized clinical trial، 60 patients with chronic peripheral arterial occlusive disorders، referred to specialized unit of Mashhad Imam Reza Hospital، were recruited through convenience sampling and randomly allocated to control (n=30) and intervention group (n=30). A questionnaire including information about demographic characteristics and disease status were completed for all patients. Then، the pain severity of patients was measured before the intervention. In the experimental group، the damaged limb of patients (from below of knee to fingers) put in the hot water (41 ° C) for 20 minutes. After thermotherapy، the pain severity of patients in the experimental group was measured again. Intervention was implemented for 5 consecutive days. The patients in control group received only routine medical treatment in the ward during 5 days and each day، their pain severity were measured. Data were analyzed by using SPSS 14 and descriptive and inferential statistics. The mean pain severity of patients after the intervention showed a statistically significant decrease (P<0. 0001). The mean pain severity of patients in control group during 5 days showed no statistically significant difference. Thermotherapy with hot water significantly decreases pain severity of patients with chronic peripheral arterial occlusive disorders.