Knee pain—whether from osteoarthritis, daily wear and tear, or simple strain—is one of the most common issues as we age. It can make even small movements challenging and frustrating. While pain relievers and medical treatments are often the go-to solutions, a new study out of India highlights something much simpler—and possibly just as effective: hot water with epsom salt.
What The Study Looked At
Researchers in Madurai, a district in southern India, wanted to see whether soaking in hot water with epsom salt could reduce knee pain in older adults. Sixty elderly participants from nearby villages took part in the experiment, all reporting severe or extreme knee pain before the study began.
The study used a one-group pre-test/post-test design, meaning there was no separate control group. Instead, they measured participants’ pain levels before and after the epsom salt treatment.
While this approach doesn’t allow direct comparison with an untreated group, it still provides valuable insight into how the participants responded.
The Results Were Striking
Before treatment, about two-thirds of the participants had severe knee pain, and the rest reported extreme discomfort. After regularly applying hot water with epsom salt, the change was dramatic:
- Over 78% reported only mild pain
- About 22% had moderate pain
- None remained in the “severe” or “extreme” category
The average pain score dropped from 63.41 before treatment to 19.76 after—a significant improvement backed by statistical analysis.
Interestingly, the researchers found that factors like age, gender, income, or diet didn’t affect the results much. The relief appeared consistent across all groups.
Why This Matters For Everyday Wellness
The main takeaway? Sometimes, simple remedies can make a real difference.
For older adults with knee discomfort, epsom salt soaks or compresses may offer meaningful relief without relying on medication.
That said, because this study did not include a control group, more research is needed to confirm how much of the improvement came from the epsom salt itself versus other factors. Still, the consistent results point to promising potential.
Epsom salt, or magnesium sulfate, has long been known for easing sore muscles and stiff joints. When combined with warm water, it can boost circulation and help the body relax, creating a natural, soothing ritual that’s easy to do at home.
Try An Epsom Salt Soak For Yourself
If you’ve ever wondered whether epsom salt really helps, this study adds weight to what many people already believe: a warm soak can bring noticeable relief.
All you need is comfortably hot water, a generous handful of epsom salt, and 15–20 minutes to let your knees and muscles unwind.
At Better Bath Better Body, we make it easy with Epsom Salt USP Grade and epsom bath and foot soaks infused with pure essential oils for an elevated experience.
Click here to buy epsom salt online, explore our collection, and discover how a simple soak can bring soothing relief and comfort to your everyday routine.
