Bathing should be an enjoyable, relaxing experience. Most of us take a bath or shower without giving it a second thought, but for those suffering with chronic pain and mobility issues, bathing can be painful and difficult. At Trojan, we created Bathe Easy so that every body can enjoy a bath or shower, no matter what their physical ability.
Our range of specialist easy access baths, showers and accessories are designed for independent living, and help take the worry out of bathing.
In the third of our series of articles, exploring the latest health news and statistics in the UK, we take a look at arthritis and how the painful, and often, debilitating condition is affecting more and more people every day.
Arthritis, which literally means ‘swelling of the joints’, is a condition that impacts mobility, and one affecting a huge number of people in the UK. The NHS estimates that more than 10 million in the UK suffer from arthritis, or similar conditions of the joints, and this figure continues to rise.
Whilst arthritis often develops in people in their mid-40’s and older, it can occur at any age due to injury or other similar conditions. In the UK, reports suggest around 15,000 children and young people are affected by arthritis.
There are many different forms of arthritis, with inflammation causing joint pain, stiffness, swelling and loss of function. The painful condition commonly affects the hands, spine, knees and hips but can also affect other organs including the heart, lungs and kidneys - even the eyes - and can often make movement very difficult for sufferers.
There are many different types of arthritis, but the most common is Osteoarthritis, or degenerative arthritis, which affects people as they get older. The second most common is rheumatoid arthritis, where the immune system attacks the joints. It affects around 400,000 people aged 16 and over in the UK, and is also more prevalent in women than men.
There is currently no known cure for arthritis, so treatment may involve exercise, diet, medication or even surgery. Research has shown that the use of heat treatments can help those suffering with arthritic conditions, by loosening stiff joints and relieving achy muscles.
Soaking in a warm bath is a safe and inexpensive form of complementary therapy. When you warm up sore joints or muscles your blood vessels expand, allowing more blood and oxygen to reach the damaged areas. Muscles and joints relax more as circulation improves.
From our Concert shower bath with walk-in access, to Freedom, our deep soak bath with built in seat, all Bathe Easy baths are practical as well as stylish, helping create a bathroom the whole family can enjoy without feeling sterile or ‘medical’ in any way.
Contact us today and find out more about our Bathe Easy range. Call us on 01484 648181 or email marketing@trojan-plastics.co.uk.
Sources:
- https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/common-aches-and-pains/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIiLSi09O_5gIVTLTtCh0dfwzLEAAYASAAEgK7iPD_BwE
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/arthritis/
- https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/managing-pain/pain-relief-solutions/heat-therapy-helps-relax-stiff-joints
- https://www.versusarthritis.org/media/2461/defying_arthritis_at_every_age-report-nov-18.pdf
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/women-are-more-affected-by-arthritis-than-men-189339
