Q: I have a client who has recently been diagnosed with tendonitis in the wrist. She also suffers with arthritis in the foot (mainly around the toes). Could you recommend some oils/blends that might help? I did read that Dead Sea Salt was good but would like to use oils as well. Many thanks.

A: Sorry to hear that your client is suffering from both tendonitis and arthritis.

First of all, tendonitis is probably caused by her straining her wrists. Both conditions are related to inflammation - although you don't mention what type of arthritis she's experiencing – Rheumatoid or Osteo? Either way - focus on anti-inflammatory oils - and those which can help ease the pain.

When massaging the wrist the focus should be on the tendon attachment points, as this is usually where the problem occurs. Use firm pressure to smooth down into the point with your massage oil and try and loosen off any knots or congestion. There may be some accompanying muscular tension that you can ease too. Rest is also essential so that the inflammation gets a chance to heal - gentle use of the hand will be fine in most cases, but no repetitive or heavy use.

Application of ice to the wrist or cold compresses can be useful if the affected area is hot with the inflammation. Here are a few ideas for you to try.

Cold Compress for wrist:
Place a few ice cubes in a bowl of cold water. Add 2 drops Peppermint essential oil and 1 drop German Chamomile. Mix well and place a square of muslin in the water, squeeze out and apply repeatedly for 10 minutes.

Cooling Gel:
Mix 150ml Aloe Vera & Seaweed Gel, 2 teaspoons Neem Oil, 30 drops Lavender, 20 Marjoram, 10 Clary Sage, 5 German Chamomile and 3 Peppermint. Mix well and apply regularly to wrist and toes.

Massage Oil:
25ml Olive Oil, 5ml Neem Oil, 6 drops Lavender, 4 Marjoram, 3 Frankincense, 2 German Chamomile. Shake well and apply regularly, especially after a bath or shower.

Feet:
In addition to the above – a regular foot bath can be helpful. Try a bowl of warm water into which you dissolved 2 heaped tablespoons of Dead Sea Salt. Stir in 6 drops Lavender, 3 Lemon, 4 Clary Sage and 2 Peppermint (or German Chamomile if it's before bed). Sit with feet soaking until water becomes cool. Remove feet and dry thoroughly.

Diet:
Should ideally be of an anti-inflammatory nature – i.e. low in acid forming foods such as chocolate, oranges, dairy produce, caffeine, and alcohol. Increase intake of green veggies, oily fish, nuts and seeds, avocados, and linseed powder especially. Supplements such as Essential Fatty Acids, Vitamin C (painkilling and anti-inflammatory) and Vitamin D may be indicated depending on severity!

Good luck and do let us know how you get on!

Kind regards.

Joannah Metcalfe
Consultant Aromatherapist

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