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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 probably 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 millions of arthritics in Britain 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.
Ankylosing
Spondylitis: is a chronic progressive form of an arthritis
of the spine. It usually begins in the teens or early twenties.
Gout
(Gouty Arthritis): Usually affects one joint at a time. It can
attack and inflame any of the joints, especially at 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.
CONCEPTS
IN TREATMENT
There are no cures but treatment is long and a total commitment
is needed to prevent deformities and crippling results. A full
treatment programme may be:
- Anti-inflammatory
drugs
- Rest
programme
- Mild
exercise
- Heat
- Ultrasonic
therapy
- Posture
rules
- Working,
walking aid
- Diet
Surgery
Most treatment
programmes are carried out at home. A few patients may require
time in hospital.
REST
AND EXERCISE
The doctor
and patient will try to find a balanced mixture of rest and
exercise in an acute phase. More rest is needed in the chronic
and remission phase (when it seems to go away). More exercise
is required 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 inflamed or
affected by different forms of arthritis.
Heat from
waterbeds will aid in proper blood circulation thus enhancing
the healing process and reducing pain. The standard mattress
will further reduce body heat. Most arthritics suffer the most
in early morning due to several factors: improper sleep supports,
immobility and the shutdown of hormones which usually reduce
inflammation.
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