RHEUMATISM AND ARTHRITIS
Arthritis and the TASSO Bed
The fact that a TASSO bed provides an even distribution of body weight can be extremely helpful for the majority of arthritis sufferers. An even distribution of body weight reduces the pressure on the sensitive parts of the body which are affected by arthritis. The warmth of a TASSO bed stimulates blood circulation, thereby encouraging the healing process and relieving pain. In contrast, a normal mattress reduces your body temperature. If a cooling effect is required, heat pads filled with cold water can be placed under the desired part of the body. The majority of arthritis sufferers find that pain is generally at its worst in the early hours of the morning. This is due to the fact that the sleeping conditions are inappropriate and that hormones which help to prevent inflammation are inactive.
Why choose a TASSO bed?
Limbs affected by arthritis are swollen and painful. They need to be protected from unnecessary pressure and strain. Poor posture when sitting or lying down can put additional strain on the affected areas. It is important to protect these areas from any abnormal muscle tension and cramps in order to prevent deformity. The even distribution of pressure provided by a TASSO bed allows blood to flow freely to all the different parts of the body. Blood circulation is further improved by the heat in a TASSO bed. Rheumatism and arthritis are two of the oldest medical conditions known to man. They can occur at any time of life, from childhood to old age. Medical studies have shown that over 90 percent of all those people over 50 years old suffer from some form of arthritis. These figures have been confirmed through the use of x-rays. This is why many doctors describe arthritis as the most serious crippling illness.
What is arthritis? Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints which causes pain and difficulties in moving. There are, of course, many different types and stages of arthritis. The most important of these are:
- Rheumatic arthritis: This is the most common type of arthritis and also the most dangerous. It involves the chronic inflammation of a joint in the body and can come and go without warning.
- Osteoarthritis: This is a condition of the joints caused by years of wear. It mostly occurs in elderly people and affects the cartilage and bones of the joints. This condition is generally less serious and rarely leads to inflammation. However, there are some patients who suffer from a more painful form of osteoarthritis which requires medical treatment.
- Ankylosing Spondylitis : This is a chronic form of arthritis of the spine which causes inflammation and progressively worsens. It generally appears in younger people around the age of 20.
- Gout (gout arthritis): This illness generally affects a specific joint. It can lead to inflammation in virtually any joint but is frequently found in the big toe. This condition is more common in men and can be extremely painful. The only method of tackling the pain generally involves a special diet and prescribed medication for the rest of the person's life.
- Sciatica: Nerve pain in the buttocks area which can be significantly alleviated by the even pressure distribution and warmth of a TASSO waterbed.
Treatment
There is currently no way of completely curing these conditions. They require the use of all available therapeutic means to prevent deformities and crippling. A full program of treatment can involve the following:
- anti-inflammatory medication
- a program of rest and recuperation
- gentle physical exercise
- heat treatment
- ultrasound therapy
- exercises to improve posture
- work and movement aids
- special diets
- operations
Most treatment can be carried out at home, though in more serious cases the patient must be treated in a hospital. Rest and exercising: the doctor and the patient must work to achieve the correct balance between rest and exercise in the acute stages of the illness. In diminishing stages of the condition an increase in physical exercise is recommended in order to keep the joints flexible and strengthen the muscles. Choosing the right bed is an essential component in relieving inflammation. A poor sleeping position puts additional strain on the joints and can cause uncomfortable stiffness in the affected body parts.
