How Can a Walk-in Tub Help My Arthritis?

Many people might not know that arthritis isn’t a disease in itself, but rather an umbrella term used to describe aching joins. There are more than 100 diseases associated with arthritis. And while most people who suffer from joint pain are older adults, arthritis can affect people of all age groups. In the US, there are more than 50 million people suffering from arthritis. What’s surprising is that more than 300,000 of these arthritis sufferers are children.

The most common type of arthritis, however, is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cushioning in joints wears away because of age. Pain and swelling will then occur due to the bones that start to rub against one another whenever the joint is used. This can cause swelling, pain, stiffness and impaired mobility.

Living With Arthritis

Arthritis is a frustrating problem to deal with. No one can truly understand how difficult it is not be able to do certain things anymore. Lack of mobility can be the worst part, making it difficult for sufferers to climb stairs or get in and out of the bath. Even small, everyday tasks can start to seem daunting. Eventually those who suffer from arthritis might resort to being immobile for the largest part of every day.

But free movement is something that every person should be able to enjoy. Arthritis shouldn’t prevent anyone from living to the full.

Unfortunately, though, there isn’t a definite cure for arthritis. Once osteoarthritis starts to develop, it’s generally accepted that the disease will either worsen or remain the some throughout life.

Luckily it’s still possible to relieve symptoms. Healthy eating, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding repetitive movements and over-the-counter pain medications can all help to relieve pain and restore mobility to some extent. Those who suffer from arthritis will know that anything that relieves symptoms – even just temporarily – can greatly increase their quality of life.

Heat And Cold Therapy

Heat and cold therapy is a widely accepted treatment for arthritis pain relief. Both heat and cold have some beneficial effects on the body that can reduce arthritis pain. Heat helps to increase blood circulation, opens blood vessels and helps to reduce muscle spasming. Cold, on the other hand, closes blood vessels and reduces inflammation. Applying a cold pack to a sore area can reduce pain when left long enough.

There are many ways to implement heat and cold therapy. Using a bag of frozen vegetables on an area where arthritis is flaring up is a simple way to apply cold therapy. With heat therapy, there are more options. Disposable heat patches, microwavable hot packs and even a warm shower could all help to reduce arthritis pain.

Arthritis Hot Tubs

Nowadays, most people view hot tubs as luxury items. What most people don’t know that hot tubs were initially invented as a means to treat arthritis. The first hot tub was developed by Candido Jacuzzi, an Italian inventor whose son suffered from rheumatoid arthritis at birth. This hot tub was intended to help his son with pain relief.

Hot tubs have been shown to be beneficial in relieving arthritis pain. By submerging the whole body under water, blood vessels dilate and muscles start to relax. Because of the relaxing effect hot tubs have on muscles, they’re also considered effective for reducing back pain and stress levels.

Warm water therapy can help those suffering from arthritis to regain some mobility. Stretching while in the water can further help to loosen stiffness. Soaking in a hot tub on a daily basis while doing some stretches is a wonderful, risk free way to treat arthritis naturally.

Walk-in Tubs And Impaired Mobility

While hot tubs are generally recommended for those suffering from arthritis, impaired mobility can make getting in and out of a regular tub difficult. Walk-in tubs have doors on the side to help bathers easily get into the tub painlessly. To keep things safe, most walk-in tubs also have non-slip surfaces to prevent falls.

Walk-in tubs can also have other features installed. Some tubs have jets that allow bathers to enjoy a relaxing massage. This means that bathers can enjoy the luxury of a hot tub on a daily basis without even having to leave home. Some tubs also have the ability to regulate water temperature, helping to keep water at an optimal warmth for pain relief.

Any hot tub can offer health benefits. But walk-in tubs stand out as the best option for those suffering from arthritis, as they offer safety and luxury features aimed specifically for bathers with impaired mobility and arthritis.

Of course, no amount of therapy can substitute for a positive outlook. Remaining positive and enjoying life is the best thing anyone suffering from arthritis can do. Healthy habits and various treatments options will seem much more meaningful to those who don’t allow the disease to stand in their way of living a full life. It might not always be easy to psychologically overcome arthritis, but it’s possible.