Experience the Benefits of a Paraffin Wax Foot Treatment this Winter

Paraffin wax foot treatment

For decades paraffin wax therapy has been used on the foot and ankle for the treatment of a number of conditions ranging from joint pain to skin conditions.

A paraffin wax foot treatment at Melbourne Podiatrists & Orthotics is a therapeutic treatment whereby your foot is immersed into a pool of heated paraffin wax. Because paraffin wax has a low melting point, it is safe enough to apply directly to the foot without the risk of burns.

Benefits of a paraffin wax foot treatment

The unique properties of paraffin wax means it is able to retain a significant amount of heat leading to the following therapeutic benefits:

• Stimulation of circulation
• Hydration and softening of the skin
• Reduction of muscle and joint pain

What foot conditions can paraffin wax help treat?

A paraffin wax foot treatment can help treat the following conditions:

• Cold feet
• Chilblains
• Raynaud’s disease
• Arthritis
• Bursitis
• Muscle and joint stiffness
• Muscle spasms
• Callus and scar tissue

One of the most common conditions that our podiatrists use paraffin wax therapy for at our Melbourne podiatry clinic is chilblains.

Paraffin wax therapy and chilblains

What is a chilblain?

A chilblain is a small patch of red, swollen and itchy skin, thought to be caused by inflammation of the blood vessels after exposure to cold weather. They are most common on the toes of the feet but can also occur on other weight bearing areas of the foot. In severe cases of chilblains, the skin may break down increasing the risk of infection.

What causes chilblains?

Chilblains are thought to be caused by a combination of cold weather and poor circulation. When the skin is cold, blood vessels constrict and when the skin is subsequently exposed to heat, blood vessels dilate and become wider. When constriction and dilation of blood vessels occurs too quickly, damage to the vessels occurs. This may cause fluid to leak into surrounding tissue causing inflammation and swelling resulting in a chilblain.

How can Paraffin wax therapy prevent chilblains?

The key to preventing chilblains is to try and keep the feet warm and avoid exposure to extreme temperatures. Good circulation and foot health is also vitally important.

If you suffer from poor circulation or cold feet then you are likely to be more at risk of chilblains. The good news is that regular paraffin wax foot treatments over winter can help prevent chilblains. Paraffin wax foot treatments can help prevent chilblains by stimulating blood flow.

For more information please visit our page on paraffin wax foot treatments.

So if you are concerned of chilblains this winter or would like to try a paraffin wax foot treatment book an appointment to see one of our Melbourne podiatrists today!