17, 18.—MUSCULAR RHEUMATISM—PALPITATION OF THE HEART.
1. What is the treatment for muscular rheumatism? 2. Does rheumatism cause palpitation of the heart? A. T. ANS.—1. The body should be warmly clothed; flannel undergarments are best. Avoid exposure, especially on damp days, and also avoid cold, damp beds, spare beds, and feather beds. Fomentations each day to the painful parts will give relief. In place of the fomentation a hot plate or brick may be wrapped in a flannel, and applied to the seat of pain. Hot rubber bottles may be used. Dry or moist heat will give relief. A full hot bath at from 102° to 105° is very soothing. Sponging the body with very hot water is good. Rubbing the parts with an ointment containing seventy-five grains of salicylic acid to one ounce of lanolin, gives good results. The rubbing should be given thoroughly once a day. Massage and electricity are of the greatest service in muscular rheumatism. 2. Muscular rheumatism does not. It is more apt to be due to the stomach, or to some nervous condition.