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Arthritis and waterbeds

Arthritis and flotation systems Basic Statisitcs Arthritis is one of the oldest diseases known to man. It can and does occur at all ages from infancy to late adulthood. If you live long enough, you will develop some form of arthritis. Medical studies show that 97% of all individuals over 50 have some arthritic condition that will show up on x-ray films. Today there are approximately 2,000,000 arthritics in Australia who require medical care. Most doctors classify arthritis as the nation's number one crippling disease. What is Arthritis? Arthritis is basically an inflammation of a joint which is associated with pain and immobility. However, there are many different conditions and classifications of arthritis. We will review a few common forms: Rheumatoid Arthritis This is the most common form and can be the most serious. It is a chronic inflammation of one of the major joints of the body. It tends to flare up and unpredictably subside. Osteoarthritis A degenerating joint disease which is a wear-and-tear disease. It usually comes with getting older and affects the cartilage and bone at joint sites. This form is usually mild; not generally inflammatory. An estimated 1 million people in Australia have osteroarthritis serious enough to cause pain and warrant medical attention. Ankylosing Spondylitis: Is a chronic progressive form of an inflammatory arthritis of the spine. It usually begins in the teens or early twenties. Gout Usually affects one joint at a time. It can attach and inflame any of the joints especially the big toe. Most victims are men. This form of arthritis can be very painful. It is usually treated with special diet and a lifetime of drugs.

Why use Waterbeds? When joints are affected, they are swollen and painful. They must be protected from additional stresses and strains. Incorrect posture, whether standing or lying down, can place an additional strain on arthritic joints. It is important to protect the affected joints against abnormal muscular spasms and contractures which can cause deformities. This support allows the blood to flow freely to all parts of the body. This boost to circulation is further enhanced by the warmth from heated flotation systems.

• Anti-inflammatory Drugs
• Rest programs
• Mild excercise
• Heat
• Ultrasonic therapy
• Posture rules
• Working, walking aide
• Diet
• Surgery
  

Most treatment programs are carried out at home. A few patients may require hospitalization.

Rest and Exercise

The doctor and patient will try to find a balanced mixture of rest and excercise in the acute phase. More rest is required in the chronic and remission phase (when it seems to go away). More excercise is needed in the chronic phase to maintain more joint movement , strengthen muscles and keep joints in proper function.
Sleeping in the right bed helps subdue the inflammation. Improper sleep can lead to uncomfortable stiffening of diseased joints.

Arthritis and waterbeds
Medical studies have shown that the principle of waterbeds - equal distribution of body weight in a controlled volume of water - will benefit most arthritics. The even distribution of the patient's weight will reduce pressure on the major joints that are inflammed of affected by different forms of arthritis.

Heat from waterbeds will aid in proper blood circulation this enhancing the healing process and reducing pain. The standard mattress will further reduce body heat. Most arthritics suffer the most in early mornings due to several factors: improper sleep supports, immobility and the shutdown of hormones which usually reduce inflammation.