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Among the many chronic joint diseases is rheumatoid arthritis, which manifests itself in painful inflammation of the joint lining. It can lead to long term damage, loss of joint function and permanent disability. Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by three distinct phases, Stage I includes the swelling of the joint lining which causes pain and swelling around the effected joint, Stage II is characterized by the thickening of the joint lining and in Stage III the thickened lining can actually cause the bone and cartilage to deteriorate leading to disability and obviously misshapen and misaligned joints.
The causes of rheumatoid arthritis are still unknown and there is no cure. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease but on that can be managed with early diagnosis and treatment. Early diagnosis is usually the key to maintaining a sufferer’s quality of life as treatment can prevent Stage III rheumatoid arthritis and thereby prevent permanent joint damage and disability. Part of early treatment is maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which in turn means getting plenty of healthy sleep that lets your joints and muscles completely relax.
Some sufferers of rheumatoid arthritis automatically go out and seek the firmest mattress they can find because they have been lauded for skeletal support. This can be counter-productive however because firm mattresses end up putting more pressure on specific joints of the body and this can actually exacerbate rheumatoid arthritis. For complete rest and physical relaxation, the body must be consistently supported. With pressure distributed properly over the entire body, there is no single area taking the brunt.
One of the only specialty sleep products available that can afford this kind of even pressure distribution is memory foam. Visco elastic memory foam was developed by Nasa to help astronauts in space and although it was never used in that application, it has been widely used in hospitals to help patients that must rest in bed for long periods of time.
Memory foam mattresses can be an excellent idea for anyone who suffers pressure or inflammatory joint conditions. Of course, you should always consult your physician before making a decision like this. The material is firmly supportive and yet can contour to any individual’s body. If you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis in your shoulder, hips or knees, memory foam will not aggravate these joints, rather it will allow them to sink in and be supported while your overall spinal alignment is achieved.
Because rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition, investing in the right specialty sleep product that will help you get the restorative rest you need, will be critical to both your physical and emotional well being. When your body is able to rest in sleep and your mind is able to let go for several hours, you will that much more prepared to face another day. A memory foam mattress may be able to help you alleviate some pain and discomfort. If you suffer from a debilitating disease like rheumatoid arthritis, don’t let your sleep suffer. |
