An equation which takes account of the effects of viscous heating is used in place of the conventional Reynolds equation in a Grubin style analysis of the elastohydrodynamic inlet zone. The analysis indicates that viscous heating in the inlet zone can result in substantial reduction in the lubricant film thickness. The results of the analysis are expressed in a simple equation which will be useful for the design of elastohydrodynamically lubricated contacts under conditions where viscous heating is important.