Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1900-10-18

~~~~~>~-~~~~~-
Muscular Rheumatism. - Although
this affection is designated rheumatism
there is every reason for believing that
it's cause is quite different from that
disease. 1t seems to be Of the same
nature as neuralgia, and might prop.
erly be so described, though it is con.
venient to follow the usual designation
as already given.
Symptoms.-The disease is usually
developed gradually. A dull pain is
felt in certain muscles, gradually in.
creasing until it becomes quite severe
The pain is usually increased upon
movement. sometimes becoming con-
vulsive and cramp-like, causing the pa
tent to groan, or even cry aloud. These
movements, and the consequent pain
may occur during sleep and awaken the
patient. The muscles thus affected are
somewhat tender upon pressure, but
present no other signs of disease. such
as swelling or redness. The constitu
tional condition is otherwise good, and
no interference occurs in the bodily
functions except such as are cOnse
quent upon the painful movements
The duration of this disease may vary
from a day to week or may last, in
less severe form, indefinitely. The mus
cles most apt,to be affected are those of
the forehead and of the temples. An.
other familiar example is in the neck,
resulting in what is popularity termed
"wry-neck." The pain may also be To-
Gated in the muscles of the back and
loins, constituting the affection known
as lumbago. 1t occurs not infrequently
in the muscles Of the chest, where it
may for days render deep breathing i'm
possible without pain.
Wherever it may occur, the charac
teristic feature of muscular rheuma.
tism is the occurrence of cramp-lke
pain, aggravated by the movement of
the part. In this particular it is dis
tinguished from neuralgia. which is
canstant pain, affecting perhaps the
same localities. This form of rheuma-
tism is undoubtedly promoted by ex'
posture to cold, and seems often to re-
suit from getting the feet wet The
treatment should consist in improving
general condition by such measures as
will invigOrate the health. In the acute
cases benefit can also be derived from
the use of liniments and of gentle fric
ton.
Sciatica.-This is painful rheumatic
confined to the hip-joint and
lower extremities, and affecting the
large nerve Called the sciatic nerve) of
the leg.
Treatment.-Apply small blister on
the spine at the bottom of the loins
and when it is removed sprinkle the
surface with one-third of a grain OF
acetate of morphia, mixed in a little
Or, apply to the part
affected bran poultice, to be followed
twice or three times day by an EN-
brocation composed of one part of tur
pentine, and two parts of soap and
opium liniment. A couple of drachms
Of this should be rubbed in for ten min
utes at a time. Meanwhile, cleanse the
bowels by a purgative, and if there is
no tendency to fever. take drachm doses
Of carbonate of iron, three times In
twentyfour hours. When the pain is
very severe, accompanied with general
fever, leeches should be applied and
cooling purgatives taken. 1t will also
be advisable to employ the hot bath at
4 temperature of 1O5 degrees, and to
remain in it from fifteen to twenty-five
minutes. This should be repeated two
Dr. three times a week. 1t Is often a
very lingering affection, resisting all 4
methods of treatment and discouraging
patient and physician alike. In such h
cases keep the sick person Casually a
restless mani absolutely quiet in bed
oy putting splint on the sore leg and
Keep it there until well. At the same &
time it is necessary to be careful of the I
general health, which is apt to be below
par.