For the application of heat to an injury that is beginning to grow old and where swelling is pronounced, steam is very good. The method is as follows. Take some form of steam-generating equipment, such as an electric kettle, electric fry pan, or an electric jug. In all cases, leave the lids on or just pushed a little to one side or use the spout or vent for the steam escape. Place this a couple of feet below the injured part and form a tent with a blanket or heavy covering that covers both the injured part and the kettle. One article of furniture that lends itself well to this form of tent is a wooden chair. Place the kettle or steam utensil so that the steam rises and strikes against the bottom of the chair. Have the patient rest his leg or arm on the chair seat and envelop the whole with a blanket.

The steam will circulate around the injury, thoroughly heating and sweating it. The kettle will need to be regulated by turning it on and off; otherwise, the heat becomes too intense and the patient may be scalded. Every 5 or 10 minutes, bathe the area with ice water, or simply wrap a cloth saturated with ice water around the part.

In certain areas where electricity is not available, the steam can be generated by using a primus or other pressure fuel stove. Simply stand the primus on the floor with the kettle on top of the flame. Mount a plastic or metal pipe on the spout from which the steam will pour and insert the pipe into the tent. The pipe will need to be a little higher where it enters the tent than the level of the spout. Plastic waterpipe is ideal for the purpose.

Hamstrings, bruises, strains, sprains, and even the damaged tissues around broken bones can be very successfully treated in this way. In fact, before a broken bone is delivered to the doctor for setting, a thorough course of hot and cold treatments should be given to clear away pain, swelling and congestion.

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