Internal Relaxation.—Pain is often felt in parts of the back or sides which will yield to no medicine such as usually relieves. This most probably arises from relaxation and swelling of some internal part of the body, so that there is more or less constant pressure on some nerves. It will be worse after fatigue or long standing, or any mental worry and excitement. This shows us that one thing necessary to cure is rest: entire rest if possible, if not, as much as can be taken. It is well to find out the easiest posture in which to lie, and spend as much time as possible in that posture. Seek, also, by applying cold cloths to the painful parts, to reduce the swollen tissue. There may also be required fomenting of the feet and legs (see Angina Pectoris) to prevent chill during this cooling. Often pain in the urinary organs is due to nothing but this relaxation, and yields to such treatment. Rest, however, is a primary necessity in all such cases.
Itch.—See Rash.
Jaundice.—This disease, or its approach, may be known by several signs: a more or less yellow colour of the skin where otherwise white; a yellowness of the whites of the eyes, and failure of the bowels to act sufficiently, with lack of appetite. It may come on gradually, or may be induced suddenly by some disgusting mouthful or sight which affects the nervous system, and through this the liver and stomach. Where a disgust, or, as the Scotch call it, a "scunner," is taken at any food, especially with children, they should never be forced to eat it. Jaundice may follow if they are so forced. Those having the care of children should always remember this.
The cure is found first in nursing the sympathetic nerves, by a fomentation for an hour of the whole length of the middle of the back, oiling before and after with olive oil. Four hours later treat the stomach and bowels in the same way. In another four hours foment the feet and legs similarly. All this time give a tablespoonful of hot water every ten minutes. Then rest for twelve hours, and repeat the cycle of treatment. During the twelve hours' rest, the hot water may be taken in sips, as desired by the patient. If there is pain in the region of the liver, foment that region more strongly. If severe, place a bran poultice on above the liver, and keep it on all day, or even for twenty-four hours if the patient is comfortable in it. By the second day there should be a marked improvement.
Kidney Complaints.—See Urinary Troubles.
Knee, Swelling of, or Pain in.—For ordinary slight injuries, complete rest, and rubbing with spirit lotion, should be sufficient. But where there is previous weakness, or constitutional tendency, even slight pain and stiffness, caused by wet or some blow or wrench, the joint must be treated thoroughly. Careless and wrong treatment may be given, and result in severe lameness. We wish, however, to point out that the treatment here recommended has cured many cases where this lameness appeared hopeless, and even restored walking power in limbs which had been ordered to be amputated by surgeons.
In the early stages of the trouble, it should be easy to cure in five or six days. First apply the soapy blanket (see) at bedtime. Then, about eleven o'clock in the fore-noon, place the leg so that the knee is over a small tub or bath full of very hot water, as hot as can be borne without pain. Pour this over the knee with a sponge or large soft cloth for an hour, adding hot water as it cools. If the patient becomes sick or faint, discontinue the bathing for a time. Dry the limb, rub with olive oil, and dry again gently. At five in the afternoon repeat the treatment of the knee. At bedtime sponge all over with hot vinegar, rub with hot olive oil, and put to bed. If the joint has been stiffened, gentle efforts to move it may be made during the treatment.
Sometimes during this treatment boils will break out over the knee and discharge a good deal, but as soon as their work in removing disease is done, these will heal up. Generally, however, this will not occur. The diet may be such as we recommend in cases of abscess (see).
In bad cases, the treatment may be continued for weeks before much favourable change is noted. Patience and perseverance, however, will win the day. The soapy blanket should not be given oftener than three times a week, and a rest from all treatment on the Sabbath is best. See also Housemaid's Knee.
Often in cases of knee pain and trouble, when local applications have little power, a bran poultice (see) on the lower back will effect a speedy cure. Sensible people will, of course, study and apply fresh treatment in such cases. Where the knee, for instance, is in the hot stage of inflammation, hot applications will be injurious. In such a case, cold cloths on the knee, with bran poultice on the lower back, will be the proper treatment. Try heat first, and if it is hurtful, vary the treatment to cold and heat, continued as above.