penerapan terapi rendam air garam hangat untuk mengatasi nyeri pada lansia gout arthritis dikelurahan sihaporas nauli kecamatan pandan kabupaten Tapanuli Tengah Tahun 2026

ABSTRACT
APPLICATION OF WARM SALT WATER FOOT SOAK THERAPY TO MANAGE PAIN IN OLDER ADULTS WITH GOUT ARTHRITIS IN SIHAPORAS NAULI URBAN VILLAGE, PANDAN SUBDISTRICT, CENTRAL TAPANULI REGENCY, 2026
Efianus Putra Jaya Lase*, Maria Magdalena Saragi**, Tiur Romatua Sitohang**
Ministry of Health, Medan Health Polytechnic
Email: efiyanusputrajayalase@gmail.com
Background: Gout arthritis is a disease caused by uric acid accumulation in the body and commonly occurs among older adults; it is characterized by joint inflammation and pain. Elevated uric acid levels can lead to monosodium urate crystal formation, which may trigger pain and limit physical activity. Based on a preliminary survey conducted by the researchers at the Central Tapanuli Regency Health Office, the number of older adults with Gout arthritis increased from 639 cases in 2024 to 658 cases in 2025. In Sihaporas Urban Village, 18 cases were recorded in 2024, increasing to 21 cases in 2025. One non-pharmacological approach to managing pain is a warm salt water foot soak, which may promote muscle relaxation and improve blood circulation.
Objective: To describe the application of warm salt water foot soak therapy to manage pain in older adults with Gout arthritis.
Research Methods: This study employed a descriptive qualitative design using a case study approach involving two respondents with Gout arthritis experiencing pain. The study was conducted in Sihaporas Nauli Urban Village, Pandan Subdistrict, Central Tapanuli Regency, in 2026. Data were collected through interviews, observations, physical examinations, and documentation studies.
Results: Warm saltwater immersion therapy effectively alleviated pain in elderly patients with Gout Arthritis. On the first day after the warm saltwater immersion therapy, Patient 1 had a pain score of 5 and experienced a reduction to a score of 2 on the seventh day. Patient 2 had a pain score of 6 on the first day after the warm saltwater immersion therapy and experienced a reduction to a score of 2 on the seventh day.
Conclusion: Warm saltwater soaking therapy over 7 days can alleviate pain in elderly patients with gout arthritis.
Keywords: Gout arthritis, older adults, pain, warm saltwater foot soak
Literature: 31 references