Hypertension was a non-communicable disease that was often accompanied by acute pain complaints, especially headaches caused by uncontrolled blood pressure elevation. This condition could disturb comfort, daily activities, sleep patterns, and decrease the patient’s quality of life. One of the non-pharmacological interventions that could be used to help reduce pain in hypertensive patients was foot reflexology. This case study aimed to describe the application of foot reflexology in hypertensive patients with acute pain nursing problems in the inpatient ward of Parang Public Health Center, Magetan.
The method used in this study was a case study on one hypertensive patient with the main complaint of occipital headache accompanied by neck stiffness and high blood pressure. The assessment was carried out using the PQRST approach and periodic monitoring of vital signs. The main intervention in the form of foot reflexology was performed for approximately 10–15 minutes every day for five days, accompanied by supporting interventions such as deep breathing relaxation techniques, positioning for comfort, health education, blood pressure monitoring, and collaboration in pharmacological therapy.
The results of the case study on Mr. S on February 17-21, 2026 in the Inpatient Room of the Parang Magetan Community Health Center, showed a gradual decrease in pain intensity from an NRS scale of 5 on the first day to an NRS scale of 0 on the fifth day. In addition, there was an improvement in the patient’s general condition, including decreased blood pressure, reduced neck muscle tension, improved sleep quality, and the patient appeared more relaxed and comfortable. Foot reflexology worked through stimulation of reflex points on the feet, which could improve blood circulation, stimulate endorphin release, and provide relaxation effects, thereby helping to reduce pain perception.
The conclusion of this case study showed that foot reflexology was a safe, easy-to-apply, and effective non-pharmacological intervention in reducing acute pain in hypertensive patients and could be used as part of pain management based on evidence based nursing (EBN).